The Pd100−xCux/V–15Ni composite membranes (x = 0, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60wt%) were deposited, for the first time, by co-sputtering. Then, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy were used to characterize the composite membrane. The deposition conditions were studied and optimized. The Cu concentration of the Pd–Cu over-layer exhibited a linear dependence upon the Cu target sputtering voltage, which could be expressed as: xCu (wt%) = 0.45VCu−138 (where VPd = 340V, and VCu>300V). Scanning electron microscopic observations showed that the over-layer films had a very dense fine microstructure. The deposition rate was about 3.5nm/s when the Pd and Cu target voltages were 340 and 395V, respectively. The Pd100−xCux (x = 0 to 60wt%) nano-over-layer exhibited a continuous face-centered cubic solid solution structure at room temperature, and the variation of its lattice spacing with Cu content agreed well with Vegard’s law. The resultant Pd60Cu40/V–15Ni composite membrane exhibited a higher H permeability than that of Pd60Cu40 alloy membrane, and was suitable for replacing Pd60Cu40 alloy membranes for H purification at 423 to 673K.

Preparation and Characterization of Pd–Cu/V–15Ni Composite Membrane for Hydrogen Permeation. J.Y.Yang, C.Nishimura, M.Komaki: Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2007, 431[1-2], 180-4