GoKawiilElectrochemical Pd membrane boosts hydrogen extraction from dehydrogenation reactions
Researchers developed a palladium-based membrane that functions as the anode in a molten-hydroxide electrochemical cell paired with a hydrogen-evolving cathode, enabling hydrogen removal from dehydrogenation reactions without relying on a pressure gradient. Using anode potentials below 0.3 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, the system achieved a fourfold increase in hydrogen separation rate at 300°C and converted dilute hydrogen into a pure 1.0 atm stream. When paired with catalysts, the setup drove ammonia and methylcyclohexane conversion to 91% and 94% at 250°C, respectively.