Energy and Environment Research; Vol. 4, No. 3; 2014 ISSN 1927-0569 E-ISSN 1927-0577 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 1 An Experimental Analysis of a Nano Structured Inorganic Ceramic Membrane for Carbon Capture Applications in Energy Security Challenges Ngozi C. Nwogu 1 , Mohammed N. Kajama 1 , Kennedy Dedekuma 1 & Edward Gobina 1 1 Centre for Process Integration and Membrane Technology, IDEAS Research Institute, Robert Gordon University, United Kingdom Correspondence: Professor Edward Gobina, Centre for Process Integration and Membrane Technology, IDEAS Research Institute, The Robert Gordon University, Riverside East Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7GJ., United Kingdom. Tel: 44-(0)122-4262-437. E-mail: e.gobina@rgu.ac.uk Received: April 9, 2014 Accepted: May 26, 2014 Online Published: June 10, 2014 doi:10.5539/eer.v4n3p1 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/eer.v4n3p1 Abstract Nanostructured hybrid materials have the solution to facilitate renewable energy to cover up for anticipated energy gap and related ecological problems. In this work the design of a nano structured ceramic membrane is carried out using ceramic nanoparticles for application in energy security challenges. However the innovation is that a membrane porous network is modified through its immersion in silica based solution. This process helps to pull the gas of interest towards the membrane in this case CO 2 and allows the other gases to pass through. However the development of this hybrid ceramic gas separation membrane in this study elaborates on the recovery of hydrogen from fuel reforming unit for use in fuel cell applications. A detailed production and purification of hydrogen in a fuel processor using the advanced ceramic membrane is presented. A gaseous mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide is produced following fuel on-board reforming. To enhance the efficiency of the fuel cell, a clean hydrogen using membranes with a high permeability and selectivity for H 2 over N 2 , CO 2 such that H 2 will permeate with high-purity. Accordingly, results obtained show an appreciable high flow rate of 5.045 l/min and 3.71 separation factor of hydrogen gas to CO 2 at relatively low pressure when compared to the other gases. Further confirmation of the dominance of Knudsen and surface flow mechanism in the entire experiments is also presented. Keywords: ceramic membrane, energy security, renewable energy, carbon capture, hydrogen production, gas separation, fuel cell 1. Introduction Carbon dioxide gas, a greenhouse gas has remained a contributor to global climate change. Recent reports from some researchers has shown a drastic increase in the concentration of atmospheric CO 2 from approximately 275 to 387 ppm with an annual average increment of 3 ppm in the last century which has resulted in temperature rise. This obviously is an indicator to future warming (Merkel et al., 2010). Therefore the protection and security of our climate is vital especially when there are efforts being put in place to reduce CO 2 emissions emanating from fossil fuel utilization which are major emitters. However various technologies are currently being developed to accomplish set goals to minimise global warming, a huge challenge resulting from the continual emission of these greenhouse gases. In this circumstance, identifying the method of capturing atmospheric CO 2 using low energy, high level performance and to meet global targets is pertinent (Favre, 2007). Energy security and curtailing energy involvement in global warming are two prevailing tasks being looked at in the power sector to attain high level of global sustainable energy security. Currently records show that about 1400 million people across the world do not have access to essential electricity. The people most affected by lack of electricity supply are those in the remote villages and lack good and hygienic cooking facilities. An example is the sub- Saharan Africa where about 15% of the world population live. This is a very pathetic and devastating situation to contend with and thus a huge impediment to economic and social growth due to unavailability of state-of-the-art facilities. Urgent attention is therefore needed to effect changes by putting together a combined effort and commitment to actualize and attain set objectives (Kaygusuz, 2012). Fossil fuel which is known globally as a major source of power generation as reported is not sustainable going by the ever growing global economy. In addition fossil fuel