CO2-Tolerant Mixed-Conducting Oxide and Its Application for Hydrogen Separation

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This patent discloses a new class of mixed proton and electron conducting oxides with a defect-fluorite structure, specifically composed of formula (Ln1-xAx)6(W1-yBy)zO12-δ, where various lanthanides, transition metals, and alkaline earth metals are used as substituents. These materials have improved mixed conductivity, high chemical stability (including CO2 tolerance), and favorable sintering characteristics. The main application is as a hydrogen-selective membrane for high-temperature hydrogen separation and in high-temperature fuel cells (SOFCs), offering a robust and efficient alternative to traditional perovskite or metallic membranes.

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• High-temperature hydrogen separation membranes in pre-combustion power plants for CO2 capture and hydrogen production.
• Electrolytes for high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), especially those operating in aggressive (CO2-rich) environments.
• Membranes for hydrogen purification in chemical plants, refineries, or hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
• Selective gas separation processes in petrochemical or syngas production, particularly where hydrogen/CO2 separation is critical.
• Catalytic membranes for use in membrane reactors (e.g., water-gas shift reactors) to improve reactor efficiency and product purity.

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• Enhanced mixed proton and electron conductivity, allowing for efficient hydrogen transport at high temperatures.
• High chemical and structural stability, including resistance to CO2 and other aggressive gas atmospheres, resulting in longer membrane lifespans.
• Good sintering properties facilitate easier manufacturing and shaping of membranes with required gas-tightness.
• Works effectively at higher operating temperatures (800–1000 °C), suitable for integration into industrial processes and power plants.
• Improved selectivity: Enables efficient, selective, and high-throughput hydrogen separation, leading to higher hydrogen purity and CO2 capture efficiencies.
• Potentially lower costs and improved durability compared to conventional palladium or perovskite-based membranes.

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Patent Abstract

The material according to the invention is based on a substance having the composition Ln6WO12 with a defect fluorite structure, in which at least some of the cations have been substituted in a defined manner in the A and/or B positions. Said material has the following composition: Ln1-x Ax)6(W1-yBy)zO12- d where Ln = an element from the group (La, Pr, Nd, Sm), A = at least one element from the group (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Er, Yb, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Th, In, Pb), B = at least one element from the group (Mo, Re, U, Cr, Nb), 0 = x = 0.7 and 0 = y = 0.5, where, however, either x or y > 0, 1.00 = z = 1.25 and 0 = d = 0.3. The material which conducts a mixture of protons and electrons has improved mixed conductivity, good chemical stability as well as good sintering properties, and it can be used in particular as a substance for a hydrogen-separating membrane, or as electrolyte at higher temperatures.