Surface modification of macroporous Al2O3 tubes with carbon-doped TiO2 intermediate layer and preparation of highly permeable palladium composite membranes for hydrogen separation

ABSTRACT

To prepare H₂-permeable palladium composite membranes, a novel carbon-doped microporous TiO₂ intermediate layer was introduced to modify the surface of macroporous Al₂O₃ substrates. The Pd/TiO₂–C/Al₂O₃ membrane was prepared via electroless plating, and thereafter, carbon residue in the intermediate layer was removed by calcination in air, yielding a Pd/TiO₂/Al₂O₃ membrane. Experimental results indicate that the carbon residue shrinks the pore size of the intermediate layer and facilitates a decrease of membrane defects. Additionally, carbon removal induces a higher effective membrane area at the permeate side, which enhances hydrogen permeability. Furthermore, the apparent activation energy (E_A) and stability of the as-prepared Pd/TiO₂/Al₂O₃ membrane were investigated.