Developments in the Ni-Nb-Zr Amorphous Alloy Membranes

Published

March 1, 2016

Author(s)

S. Sarker, D. Chandra, M. Hirscher, M. Dolan, D. Isheim, J. Wermer, D. Viano, M. Baricco, Terrence J. Udovic, D. Grant, O. Palumbo, A. Paolone, R. Cantelli

Abstract

Most of the global H₂ production is derived from hydrocarbon-based fuels, and efficient H₂/CO₂ separation is necessary to deliver a high purity H₂ product. Hydrogen-selective alloy membranes are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional pressure swing absorption processes as a means for H₂/CO₂ separation. These membranes can be formed from a wide range of alloys and those based on Pd are the closest to commercial deployment. The high cost of Pd (USD 31,000 Kg^-1), however, is driving the development of less-expensive alternatives, including inexpensive amorphous (Ni₆₀Nb₄₀)_100-xZr_x alloys. Amorphous alloy membranes can be fabricated directly from the molten state into continuous ribbons via melt spinning, and depending on the composition, can exhibit relatively high hydrogen permeability between 473 and 673 K. Here we review recent developments in these low-cost membrane materials, especially with respect to permeation behavior, electrical transport properties, and understanding of local atomic order. In a quest to further understand the nature of these solids, atom probe tomography has been performed, revealing amorphous Nb-rich and Zr-rich clusters embedded in a majority Ni matrix, whose compositions deviated from the nominal overall composition of the membrane. This research is supported by US DOE-NNSA grant, US DE-NA0002004).

Citation

Applied Physics A-Materials Science & Processing

Volume

122

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

Amorphous, Hydrogen Permeation, Membranes, Metallic Glass, Nickel, Niobium, Zirconium

Citation

Sarker, S. , Chandra, D. , Hirscher, M. , Dolan, M. , Isheim, D. , Wermer, J. , Viano, D. , Baricco, M. , Udovic, T. , Grant, D. , Palumbo, O. , Paolone, A. and Cantelli, R. (2016), Developments in the Ni-Nb-Zr Amorphous Alloy Membranes, Applied Physics A-Materials Science & Processing, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=919847 (Accessed October 20, 2025)