A catalytic composite membrane reactor system for hydrogen production from ammonia using steam as a sweep gas

For catalytic reactions involving H2 extraction, the membrane reactor is an attractive option for enhancing the equilibrium and kinetics while eliminating excessive purification steps. In this study, a steam carrier adopted composite membrane reactor system is developed to produce pure H2 (>99.99%) from ammonia with high H2 productivity (>0.35 mol-H2 gcat−1 h−1) and ammonia conversion (>99%) at a significantly reduced operating temperature (91%) while replacing conventionally utilized noble carrier gases that require additional gas separation processes. The steam carrier presents similar membrane reactor performance to that of noble gases, and the water reservoir used for steam generation acts as an ammonia buffer via scrubbing effects. Finally, electricity generation is demonstrated using a commercial fuel cell along with process simulation, substantiating potential of the proposed membrane system in practical applications for H2 production from ammonia and on-site power generation. [Display omitted] •As-developed composite membrane reactor system presents high H2 productivity.•3 membrane reactor configurations are evaluated under wide range of conditions.•>99% NH3 conversion is achieved at temperature of 698 K with 1200 cm3 gcat-1 h-1.•Steam as a sweep gas increases H2 recovery yield and helps removing NH3 impurity.•PEMFC operation with process simulation substantiates as-developed membrane system.