Highly efficient and stable symmetric porous supported mixed conductor ceramic membranes for pure oxygen production

The quest for carbon neutrality has intensified the search for sustainable energy technologies, with a focus on Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conducting (MIEC) oxygen transport membranes (OTMs) for their potential in pure oxygen separation, catalytic membrane reactors, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). This study presents a novel Graded Porous Supported Symmetric (GPSS) structure for K 2 NiF 4 -type Pr 2 Ni 0.95 Mo 0.05 O 4+δ (PNM05) membranes, addressing the challenge of balancing high oxygen permeability with long-term stability. The GPSS design, featuring a thin dense layer and porous support layers, enhances gas permeability and structural integrity. The introduction of Cu 2 O as a sintering aid in the dense layer improves membrane densification and electronic conductivity, resulting in an oxygen permeation flux of 4.31 mL min −1 cm −2 , superior to that of traditional hollow fiber membranes. This research provides a promising strategy for developing MIEC OTMs with high permeability and durability, aligning with the goals of carbon neutrality and sustainable energy production. The GPSS design offers a practical solution for advancing oxygen separation technologies in various industrial applications.