US 12,410,072 B2
Nanostructured ceramic membranes for hydrogen isotope separation
Jake W. Amoroso, Aiken, SC (US); Kyle S. Brinkman, Clemson, SC (US); Jianhua Tong, Greenville, SC (US); Jun Gao, Richland, WA (US); Yuqing Meng, Idaho Falls, ID (US); and James M. Becnel, Augusta, GA (US)
Assigned to Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC, Aiken, SC (US); and Clemson University, Clemson, SC (US)
Filed by BATTELLE SAVANNAH RIVER ALLIANCE, LLC, Aiken, SC (US); and CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, Clemson, SC (US)
Filed on May 27, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/826,956.
Prior Publication US 2023/0382769 A1, Nov. 30, 2023
Int. Cl. C02F 1/28 (2023.01); B01D 15/18 (2006.01); B01D 15/20 (2006.01); B01D 71/02 (2006.01); C02F 1/44 (2023.01); G21F 9/12 (2006.01)
CPC C02F 1/281 (2013.01) [B01D 15/1807 (2013.01); B01D 15/1885 (2013.01); B01D 15/203 (2013.01); B01D 71/0271 (2022.08); C02F 1/44 (2013.01); G21F 9/12 (2013.01); C02F 2303/16 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A process for removal of a heavy hydrogen isotope from an aqueous stream, the process comprising:
contacting a hydrated separation phase with a first aqueous stream comprising the heavy hydrogen isotope, wherein the first aqueous stream is at a temperature of about 100° C. or less, the hydrated separation phase comprising a proton-conducting ceramic having an average grain size of about 500 nm or less, wherein upon the contact, the heavy hydrogen isotope of the first aqueous stream is exchanged with a first lighter hydrogen isotope of the hydrated separation phase and adsorbed to the hydrated separation phase, thereby purifying the first aqueous stream;
subsequently, contacting the hydrated separation phase comprising the adsorbed heavy hydrogen isotope with a second aqueous stream, wherein the second aqueous stream is at a temperature that is greater than that of the first aqueous stream, wherein upon the subsequent contact, the adsorbed heavy hydrogen isotope of the hydrated separation phase is exchanged with a second lighter hydrogen isotope of the second aqueous stream.