Superlattice Hydrogen Separation Filter for Low-Temperature Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrogen purification methods using metal films require high temperatures to prevent embrittlement, leading to high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen separation filter with a super lattice layer composed of alternately stacked lattice expansion and hydrogen dissociation/permeation layers, utilizing materials with specific lattice constants and thicknesses to enable hydrogen purification at lower temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal films are used for hydrogen purification, then hydrogen separation performance is improved, but embrittlement occurs at low temperatures requiring high temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a porous substrate and a superlattice layer. The superlattice layer is composed of alternating hydrogen dissociation/permeation layers (Pd, V, Ta, Ti, Nb) and lattice expansion layers (Au, Ag, Al), creating a composite material system that combines the hydrogen permeation capability of transition metals with the lattice expansion effect of noble metals to prevent embrittlement at lower temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The superlattice layer is segmented into multiple thin layers (1-10 nm each) of alternating materials. This segmentation allows the lattice expansion layers to periodically expand and contract, accommodating hydrogen-induced lattice changes and preventing embrittlement, while the hydrogen dissociation layers maintain continuous hydrogen permeation function.
2Reliability
If high temperature operation is used to prevent embrittlement, then metal layer stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite superlattice structure enables the metal layers to maintain stability at lower temperatures through the lattice expansion effect of Au, Ag, or Al layers, which accommodate hydrogen-induced lattice changes without requiring high temperature operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining metal layer stability.
3Reliability
If superlattice layer is formed with alternating layers, then embrittlement is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The superlattice layer is divided into multiple thin segments (1-10 nm layers) of alternating materials. This segmentation creates a periodic structure that facilitates lattice expansion and contraction to prevent embrittlement, while the regular alternating pattern maintains manufacturing feasibility through sequential deposition processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the thickness parameters of each layer (1-10 nm range) and the lattice constant ratio (1.03-1.15) to optimize the balance between embrittlement prevention and structural complexity. These parameter constraints ensure the superlattice structure functions effectively while remaining manufacturable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The filter achieves effective hydrogen purification at lower temperatures by preventing embrittlement of the metal layers, reducing energy consumption and maintaining high separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
a super lattice layer including at least one lattice expansion layer 40 containing a first material, and at least two hydrogen dissociation and permeation layers 60 containing a second material
Implementation Method 2
hydrogen dissociation and permeation layers 60 containing a second material selected from the group consisting of Pd, V, Ta, Ti, Nb, and alloys thereof
Implementation Method 3
a porous substrate 20 and a super lattice layer 90 on the porous substrate 20
Data Source
AI summary
The hydrogen separation filter includes a porous substrate and a super lattice layer on the porous substrate. The super lattice layer includes at least one lattice expansion layer containing a first material and at least two hydrogen dissociation and permeation layers containing a second material selected from the group consisting of Pd, V, Ta, Ti, Nb, and alloys thereof. The at least one lattice expansion layer and the at least two hydrogen dissociation and permeation layers are alternately stacked. The first material and the second material have a same crystalline structure. A lattice constant a1,bulk of a first bulk material haying a same composition and a same crystalline structure as the first material and a lattice constant a2,bulk of a second bulk material having a same composition and a same crystalline structure as the second material satisfy Formula (1):1.03a2,bulk≤a1,bulk≤1.15a2,bulk (1).