Review of helium separation from natural gas by membranes

Helium, an essential noble gas with important industrial and scientific applications, is seeing a surge in demand as its resources deplete. In 2020 alone, yearly helium use was 30,000 tons, comparable to a market value of USD 1 billion. Natural gas remains the primary source of helium, with concentrations ranging from 0.3 % to 1.9 % mol. With the increasing importance of helium, membrane-based gas separation technologies such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanocomposite membranes have gained popularity due to their low cost and versatility. This review examines the present state of membrane technology for helium separation, focusing on recent research and publication trends. Notably, membrane-based approaches show a constant upward trend, with a special emphasis on the years 2020 and 2021. However, concerns with selectivity and permeability persist. Future research should focus on reinforced mixed matrix membranes and new fabrication techniques to address these limits and meet expanding industrial demands in a sustainable manner. The incorporation of membrane-based helium separation technologies into comprehensive gas processing systems has the potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and increase economic viability. This review seeks to provide useful insights into the topic of helium separation by membranes, as well as to guide future improvements for sustainable helium supply and utilization.