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Experimental work on a CdO-based solar cycle for water splitting

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5817231

Previous investigations and experimental work performed on a cadmium-based hybrid thermoelectrochemical cycle as a means of water splitting for hydrogen production are described. It also discusses the work plan for a new effort to investigate operation of the key high-temperature endothermic step in a solar furnace-reactor. The chemistry of the cycle is: (1) Cd(s) + 2H/sub 2/O(l) ..-->.. Cd(OH)/sub 2/ + H/sub 2/(g) (electrochemical step that proceeds at V > 0.05 volts); (2) Cd(OH)/sub 2/(s) ..-->.. CdO(s) + H/sub 2/O(g) (thermochemical decomposition that proceeds at T > 300/sup 0/C); and (3) CdO(s) ..-->.. Cd(g) + 1/2 O/sub 2/(g) (thermochemical decomposition that proceeds at T > 1150/sup 0/C). The reaction to be further investigated through experiments in a solar furnace is step (3). Published thermodynamics data for this step are not in good agreement for the range T > 1000/sup 0/C, and prediction of energy consumption and cycle efficiency depend on better knowledge of the operating conditions for this high-temperature step.

OSTI ID:
5817231
Report Number(s):
CONF-791143-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English