Steam-stable silica composite membrane for hydrogen
This technology is a specialized membrane that separates hydrogen from mixed gas streams — such as those produced during steam reforming or gasification — with very high purity and at elevated temperatures. The membrane is made by depositing a thin, chemically mixed silica-based layer onto a porous support using chemical vapor deposition, creating an amorphous film that is far more resistant to degradation by steam than conventional silica membranes. In real-world industrial processes, steam is almost always present, which normally destroys silica membranes quickly; this composite formulation retains at least half its hydrogen-passage performance after 120 hours of exposure to 60% steam at 400°C. The result is a membrane that can be integrated into hydrogen production or purification systems operating under realistic, harsh conditions.
What you could build
A drop-in membrane module for hydrogen purification in steam methane reforming, coal gasification, or water-gas shift reactor systems, sold to industrial gas producers, hydrogen fuel suppliers, and refinery operators seeking to replace pressure-swing adsorption units with a more compact, continuous-separation alternative.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based energy companies, DOE National Energy Technology Laboratory partners, or defense contractors involved in hydrogen logistics and fuel cell systems would have natural interest.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- S Ted Oyama, Yunfeng Gu
- Granted
- January 4, 2011
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7862648
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.