Rational selection of MIEC materials in energy production processes

Mixed electronic and ionic conductors are of potential interest in improving the efficiency of high temperature processes that require oxygen. One of the primary industrial applications for these conductors is in the separation of oxygen from air for the production of hydrogen through the partial oxidation of methane (POM) or oxy-combustion at high temperatures. This brief review provides a methodical approach for the selection of a membrane material for the POM applications. From a practical point of view, this paper focuses on perovskite or perovskite-derived structures. The primary performances and characteristics of the published data on perovskite materials are compared, such as the oxygen semi-permeation, the coefficient of thermal expansion, and the chemical stability at high temperature under a reducing atmosphere. The most promising membrane materials and key structural parameters are identified and discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.