Factors affecting the performance of membranes for H2/CH4 separation from the perspective of separation mechanisms

The production of high-purity H 2 is the building block of hydrogen economy, which can greatly promote the construction of related technologies and infrastructure. Efficient H 2 /CH 4 separation is a necessary unit in producing high-purity energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which can meet the industrial demand and help to address the energy issue and achieve global carbon neutrality goals. Membrane separation technology, as a promising strategy for H 2 purification, has attracted much attention due to its high efficiency, energy conservation and versatile applications. This article reviews the latest research advances in the high-performance membranes for H 2 /CH 4 separation, and elucidates the effect of membrane materials, preparation methods and membrane structure on separation performance from the perspective of separation mechanisms. It also summarized the essential aspects of membrane design, such as microstructural regulation, multiphase coupling, the optimal usage conditions and simple analysis of economic benefits. Finally, the current challenges and future directions of membranes for H 2 /CH 4 separation were discussed, intending to provide in-depth reference and inspiration for the theoretical research and practical application of membrane separation technology. This article covers the design aspects of H 2 /CH 4 separation membranes including material selection, microstructure regulation and economic analysis from the perspective of separation mechanisms and it also discusses the current challenges and future prospect of their research and practical applications. • Recent advances in state-of-the-art membranes for H 2 /CH 4 separation were reviewed from the point of mechanisms. • Performance and advantages of these H 2 /CH 4 separation membranes were presented. • Key aspects of membrane design and simple economic evaluation were summarized. • Future research directions based on the development bottlenecks were proposed.