Cobalt-free oxygen transport membranes (OTMs), Ba0.5Sr0.5Cu0.2Fe0.8O3-delta (BSCF) and its composites, Ba0.5Sr0.5Cu0.2Fe0.8O3-delta/Ag (BSCF/Ag), were fabricated by conventional solid state synthesis, and their oxygen transport properties were evaluated. The metal (Ag) content in the composite was 10-40 vol.%. Based on oxygen-permeation results, BSCF/40 vol.% Ag with Rh catalyst was selected for testing its ability to supply high-purity oxygen (from air) for ethanol reforming. It was found that the composite played an important role in producing hydrogen from ethanol reforming at 600 degrees C. The composite with catalyst shifted ethanol conversion toward production of hydrogen and away from production of other products, i.e., using a catalyst increased the selectivity for hydrogen in the reformate. The crystal structure, thermal expansion, coke formation, and the microstructural behavior of the OTMs are discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.