抄録
Research and development of palladium–based composite membranes and their application to the integrated reaction and separation processes are surveyed. Hydrogen can permeate through a dense metallic membrane such as palladium alloy because hydrogen molecule dissociates into proton and electron, and proton can move at high speed in lattice gaps. Among V–group metals, vanadium has a smaller amount of hydrogen solution and give a faster diffusion rate than niobium and tantalum; therefore, much research has been conducted on vanadium for practical use as a hydrogen separation membrane. Recently, research and development of integrated reaction and separation process using a palladium–based membrane in Japan has slowed down compared to before. On the other hand, the research and development are continuing overseas. Breakthrough in new application ideas as well as lowering process costs and improved reliability are expected for the future of integrated reaction and separation process using a metallic membrane.
