Functional ceramic hollow fibre membranes for catalytic membrane reactors and solid oxide fuel cells

This chapter introduces major developments and use of functional ceramic hollow fibre membranes, that is a membrane design consisting of a dense outer layer for separation supported on a highly porous inner catalytic substrate layer, for energy utilization in methane conversion and micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The advantages of the dual-layer hollow fibre membrane design and the single-step co-extrusion and co-sintering process employed to achieve this membrane design are addressed. The key factors that affect the fabrication and performance of the developed membranes are discussed and future technology challenges are also outlined.