Life cycle assessment of H2-selective Pd membranes fabricated by electroless pore-plating

Pd-based membranes are attracting great attention to reach ultra-pure hydrogen in independent separators or combined with catalysts membrane reactors. Many advances have been proposed for their fabrication over the last few years, reaching relatively thin Pd-films onto porous substrates high permeation capacities and mechanical stability, although commercialization penetration industry still scarce. At this point, it is important complete all these technological data about related economic environmental implications during detect possible bottlenecks select best strategy. In context, current study presents first time a life cycle assessment focused on preparation of composite-membranes by Electroless Pore-Plating (ELP-PP). Two different types composite supported stainless steel tubes analyzed, including not an additional CeO 2 intermediate layer between support Pd-film. Precise experimental process at laboratory-scale were considered account both materials energy requirements. Thereafter, impacts estimated through ReCiPe methodology using software Simapro 8.5. The results evidence that climate change (CC), human toxicity (HT), acidification (AC), freshwater ecotoxicity (FWE), metal depletion (MD) fossil fuel resources (FD) most relevant generated manufacturing membrane. Under perspective, palladium deposition appears as step highest impacts. It can be explained consumption high-energy required cycles. Thus, electricity mix country where factory located critical minimize For reason, European countries expected favorable ones fabrication. Finally, comparing (with without layer), stated incorporation ceramic noticeably reduces necessary amount Pd fully dense therefore associated • Assessment diverse membranes. Cleaning drying steps issues due consumption. barriers improve membrane-performance reduce 35%. Energy requirements make location production center crucial.