Process for the thermochemical production of hydrogen

Patent · 31 December 1977

OSTI ID:863086

Norman, John H.; Russell, Jr., John L.; Porter, II, John T.; McCorkle, Kenneth H.; Roemer, Thomas S.; Sharp, Robert

Hydrogen is thermochemically produced from water in a cycle wherein a first reaction produces hydrogen iodide and H₂SO₄ by the reaction of iodine, sulfur dioxide and water under conditions which cause two distinct aqueous phases to be formed, i.e., a lighter sulfuric acid-bearing phase and a heavier hydrogen iodide-bearing phase. After separation of the two phases, the heavier phase containing most of the hydrogen iodide is treated, e.g., at a high temperature, to decompose the hydrogen iodide and recover hydrogen and iodine. The H₂SO₄ is pyrolyzed to recover sulfur dioxide and produce oxygen.

• Research Organization: General Atomics, San Diego, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-80ET26225
• Assignee: General Atomic Company (San Diego, CA)
• Patent Number(s): 4,089,940
• Application Number: 05/786009
• OSTI ID: 863086
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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