Triple-layer hollow fiber catalytic membrane reactor (T-HFCMR) consisting of: (1) Ni-based catalyst (outer) layer; (2) porous inorganic support (middle) layer; and (3) ultrathin Pd-based membrane (inner) layer, has been successfully developed and used as a catalytic membrane reactor for hydrogen production. A 0.16 mol m(-2) s(-1) of H-2 gas can be produced from the T-HFCMR via catalytic decomposition of methane (as a model reaction) at 600 degrees C and 2 bar. Due to high H-2 permeability of the ultrathin (ca. 1.2 mu m) Pd-based membrane, up to 84% of the total H-2 produced (H-2 recovery) can be extracted from the reaction side. Moreover, a constant permeation of H-2 from the reaction side also remarkably increases the reaction conversion. Furthermore, mechanical damages (e.g. scratching) of Pd-Ag membrane can also be prevented as the membrane is not exposed directly to the external surface, making it more flexible for practical applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.