TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Next-Gen Electrocatalytic Membrane Reactor

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Next-Gen Electrocatalytic Membrane Reactor

An innovative system that efficiently co-produces propylene and high-purity hydrogen from commercial propane feedstock, offering enhanced energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint.

Opportunity:   Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), offers the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this Next-Gen Electrocatalytic Membrane Reactor. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses, and, ultimately, an improved way of life for the American people.

Overview:        Introducing a revolutionary electrocatalytic membrane reactor system for the co-production of propylene and high-purity hydrogen from commercial propane feedstock. This cutting-edge technology utilizes proton-conducting solid oxide ceramic cells integrated with highly active perovskite-structured catalysts for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. The modular reactor system leverages existing commercial propane infrastructure, enabling intensified processes for on-purpose propylene production and distributed hydrogen supply.

Description:    This technology represents a promising alternative to conventional propylene production technologies, offering potentially lower carbon footprint and higher energy efficiency. The process feeds propane to the anode side of a protonic ceramic electrochemical cell (PCEC) integrated with highly active and selective propane dehydrogenation catalysts, producing hydrogen and transforming it into protons. These protons are transported through a proton-conducting ceramic membrane to the cathode side, where they are converted back into pure hydrogen gas.

Benefits:          

• High conversion efficiency due to the continuous separation of hydrogen from the product stream.
• Integrated proton-conducting ceramic membrane enables pure hydrogen production, eliminating the need for downstream separation.
• Highly active and selective dehydrogenation electrocatalysts for precise control and maximized yield of desired olefin products.
• Perovskite structured mixed metal oxide catalyst eliminates the need for precious metals like platinum, potentially reducing material costs during scaling.

Applications / End Users:    

• Petrochemical and polymer companies using natural gas or natural gas liquids (NG/NGL) as feedstock.
• The fuel cell industry utilizing NG/NGL as fuel to co-generate electricity and chemicals.
• Small-scale on-purpose propylene production
• Industries requiring small-scale hydrogen supply including fuel cell vehicle refueling stations, bio-oil upgrading, electronics manufacturing, and the food industry.

Development Status:  TRL 3 technology is undergoing proof-of-concept work.     

IP Status:         Provisional Patent Filing No. 63/512,364, “Highly Efficient La/Ni Co-doped Strontium Titanate Catalyst for Co-production of Propylene and Hydrogen from Propane in Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells,” BEA Docket No. BA-1454

INL seeks to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.

Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.