Enhancing the oxygen permeation rate of Ba 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3 − δ membranes by surface loading Co 3 O 4 nanorod catalysts

To modify the oxygen permeability of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) membrane, Co3O4 nanorod catalysts were self-assembled onto the surface of the BSCF membrane by a hydrothermal process. Phase structures and morphology of the BSCF membrane self-assembled with Co3O4 nanorod catalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that Co3O4 nanorods with spinel structure and of about 100nm in diameter and 3μm in length were grown on the surfaces of BSCF membrane. The loading of Co3O4 nanorods can effectively improve the oxygen permeability of BSCF membrane. At 600°C, the oxygen permeation rate of BSCF membrane with 1mm in thickness modified by Co3O4 nanorod catalysts reaches 0.47ml·min−1·cm−2, which is 11.5 times higher than that of the bare BSCF membrane under Air/He gradient. At 850°C, the oxygen permeation rate of the modified BSCF membrane reaches 1.76ml·min−1·cm−2, which is 0.3ml·min−1·cm−2 higher than that of bare BSCF membrane.