Composite membranes of V-15Ni, covered with Pd-Cu, were studied, and X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy were used to characterize them. Hydrogen permeation of the composite membrane to pure H and to a gas mixture with H2S impurity were studied, and the composition and thickness of Pd–Cu overlayers were optimized. It was shown that the Pd60Cu40/V–15Ni composite membrane had a higher permeability than other overlayer compositions. At 573 to 673K, the composite membrane exhibited a good resistance to H2S impurity. When the temperature was lower than 573K, the effect of H2S impurity became more serious and the H permeability of the membrane decreased rapidly with increasing H2S concentration.

Effect of H2S on Hydrogen Permeation of Pd60Cu40/V-15Ni Composite Membrane. J.Y.Yang, C.Nishimura, M.Komaki: Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2007, 446-447, 575-8