Proton Conducting Layer System and Associated Production Method

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This invention describes a multilayer proton-conducting system for separating hydrogen from gas mixtures, protected against degradation by reactive gases like CO2 and CO. The system features a functional layer with excellent proton conductivity (but chemically sensitive), shielded by a thin protective layer composed of a less conductive, but gas-resistant, material. The patent also explains associated methods for manufacturing these layers with controlled properties and enhanced durability, using techniques such as sintering and vapor deposition.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hydrogen separation from industrial gas mixtures (e.g., syngas processing)
• Electrolytes in fuel cells (especially with lower operating temperatures)
• Electrolyzers for hydrogen production
• Gas purification and selective gas membranes for high-purity hydrogen supply
• CO2 separation from exhaust gases in power plants
• Membrane-based hydrogen sensors

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides high proton conductivity while maintaining gas-tightness and chemical stability in harsh environments
• Enables use in reactive atmospheres containing CO2 or other aggressive gases where conventional proton conductors fail
• Increases membrane lifespan and operational reliability by combining the best properties of two different materials
• Supports efficient hydrogen isolation and purification, resulting in high-purity hydrogen output
• Offers flexible manufacturing methods (sintering, vapor deposition), making industrial scaling feasible
• Allows operation at lower temperatures for fuel cells, improving energy efficiency and reducing material costs

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a layer system for isolating hydrogen from gases containing hydrogen and to an associated production method. The layer system consists of two proton conducting, gas-tight layers. A functional layer consisting of a material with a high proton conductivity, which is however sensitive to process gases such as CO2 or aggressive trace gases, constitutes the largest proportion of the thickness of the layer system. Said layer is protected by a thin protective layer consisting of a material whose proton conductivity is lower but which is insensitive to reactive gases. Said layer system permits an improved proton conductivity to be obtained with a predefined gas tightness and total thickness of the layer in relation to prior art. In the production method, an alkaline-earth metal carbonate is reduced to form an oxide, which has solid-state reactions with previously applied layers of zirconium or rare earth metals. The protective layer and functional layer are produced by sintering.