Apparatus for purifying hydrogen and method for using the same

An apparatus for purifying hydrogen from a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water, comprising:

• a mixed fluid channel through which a mixed fluid containing gaseous hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, and liquid water flows;
• a first gas channel adjoining said mixed fluid channel and through which a mixed gas containing gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen flows;
• a second gas channel adjoining said first gas channel and through which gaseous hydrogen or oxygen flows;
• a gas-liquid separating membrane forming at least part of a wall between said mixed fluid channel and said first gas channel, separating said mixed gas from the mixed fluid of said mixed fluid channel, and providing said separated mixed gas to said first gas channel;
• and
• a hydrogen or oxygen separating membrane forming at least part of a wall between said first gas channel and said second gas channel, separating gaseous hydrogen or oxygen from the mixed gas of said first gas channel, and providing said separated gaseous hydrogen or oxygen to said second gas channel.