Institute of Energy Materials and Devices (IMD)

Materials Synthesis and Processing (IMD-2)

Gas Separation Membranes

About

The department develops ceramic membranes for gas separation-an area which has considerably expanded for the past few years due to the fact that membrane separation technology offers high energy efficiency through process intensification and cost reduction.

Pure oxygen and hydrogen gas supply is very important for a number of processes. Potential applications can be found in H₂ based systems for mobile and stationary applications, power plant of different concept (post- and pre-combustion, oxy fuel), cement, chemical and petrochemical industries etc. Another focus is on membrane reactors, in which these gases, together with other substances (including CO₂ utilization), are converted into the desired product.

The department consists therefore of three teams, specialized namely on the development of oxygen-permeable membranes, hydrogen-permeable membranes and nanostructured membranes.

More Information

Research Topics

Objectives of the three teams are

i) the development of materials including optimization of conventional material candidates but also establishing of novel promising systems

ii) manufacturing of thin asymmetric membranes for the efficient gas separation

iii) proof of concept by means of modules and membrane reactors consisting of scalable thin-film membranes with industrially relevant geometry and size for demonstration of technology readiness level

Contact

Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg

IMD-2

Building 01.3z / Room 5010

+49 2461/61-6323

E-Mail

Our research groups

Oxygen-Permeable Membranes

In our group, we work on the development and optimization of oxygen transport membranes (OTM) for efficient oxygen separation at high temperatures.

Hydrogen-Permeable Membranes

The research group Hydrogen-Permeable Membranes develops dense and microporous ceramic membranes able to transport hydrogen, either in protonic (H+) or molecular form (H2) by means of selected materials and advanced fabrication techniques.

Nanostructured Membranes

Our group 'Nanostructured Membranes' develops innovative, highly selective membranes that combine nanomaterials such as 2D nanosheets with flexible polymers to create more efficient solutions for gas separation and solvent recovery. Through advanced manufacturing techniques and targeted surface modifications, we aim to produce robust, long-term stable membranes that set new standards in both industry and the energy transition.