THE ISOTOPE EFFECT ON HYDROGEN ELECTRODES
The electrochemical hydrogen isotope separation at cathodic and anodic electrodes was studied for the purpose of understanding reaction rate mechanisms and providing data for a proposed heavy water enrichment plant. The dependence of the separation factor. S, on: the cathode material, the cathode surface (porous vs smooth electrodes), the cathode potential, and the cathode temperature was studied by analysis of evolved electrolysis gases. Hydrogen and deuterium electrochemical oxidation rates were studied with a platinized platinum rotating disk electrode. This technique allowed the separation of diffusion effects from the ionization currents, and enabled the maximum kinetic rates of ionization to be determined. The relative rates of hydrogen and deuterium oxidation were determined experimentally with microporous large area diffusion electrodes, as used in fuel cells. The hydrogen was found to oxidize between 1.2 and 1.6 times faster than deuterium. Calculations were made for a proposed heavy water enrichment plant. This electrochemical process utilizes hydrogen anodes and cathodes in each stage. The power costs are considerably less than for any known electrochemical process. The process involves recycle of hydrogen gas and is therefore not dependent on a hydrogen supply. A preliminary cost of /lb of product was calculated. It is probable that optimum conditions based on a complete economic analysis of the process will further decrease the cost for heavy water production. (M.P.G.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-17-016493
- OSTI ID:
- 4746679
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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