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Decomposition of hydrogen bromide using iron bromide and magnetite

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6748623

A means of thermochemically decomposing hydrogen bromide has been investigated experimentally using the reaction between magnetite and HBr as the bromine producing step. A high yield of Br/sub 2/ was formed in a short time (90% in 0.5 h). For the hydrogen producing step, the direct hydrolysis of ferrous bromide was confirmed as having an unfavorable equilibrium (3.61 x 10/sup -3/ at 849/sup 0/K). However, introduction of magnesium oxide into an aqueous solution of FeBr/sub 2/ and subsequent heating of the insoluble product gave H/sub 2/ and Fe/sub 3/O/sub 4/ in good yields. Further, Br/sub 2/ could be regenerated from this Fe/sub 3/O/sub 4/ by treatment with HBr. All the reactions were demonstrated to be fast, going to about 85% completion. The main drawback is the heat required to dry and dehydrate magnesium bromide in order to reform MgO by hydrolysis. These reactions are discussed within the framework of a thermochemical cycle.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
6748623
Report Number(s):
LA-UR-78-847; CONF-780807-4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English