Pd–Lu Foil Membranes for Hydrogen Diffusion Purification

We show here that palladium-lutetium foil Pd–11.2 wt % Lu membrane can be efficiently used for hydrogen separation via its diffusion at temperatures 300–500°С. Several correlations of the membrane structure morphology and the specific permeability of the membranes are considered. Particular attention is placed in analysis of the membrane surface studied by atomic force microscopy using the phase contrast mode. The studies performed are addressed the problem of the membrane durability for the cyclic operation up to 40 h in hydrogen atmosphere.