Hydrogen production by the Cu–Cl thermochemical cycle: Investigation of the key step of hydrolysing CuCl2 to Cu2OCl2 and HCl using a spray reactor☆

Experimental study of gaseous effluent and solid conversion in a fluidized bed hydrolysis reactor for hydrogen production

“…Minimal reactant decomposition is expected during the preheating process. Chlorine production will begin above 400 C [8]. Although some CuCl 2 decomposition to CuCl can be expected above 375 C [6], this side reaction should have a minimal impact on the current results and it is beyond the scope of this paper.…”

“…In recent experimental studies of CuCl 2 steam hydrolysis, Ferrandon et al [8] achieved close to 100% conversion of CuCl 2 in a spray reactor with an ultrasonic atomizer. Similarly, a pneumatic nebulizer with a counter-current flow design achieved high conversion of CuCl 2 [8].…”

“…Similarly, a pneumatic nebulizer with a counter-current flow design achieved high conversion of CuCl 2 [8]. The operating temperature of a hydrolysis reactor can have significant impacts on the conversion extent, with higher conversions favoring higher temperatures [9].…”

“…The operating temperature of a hydrolysis reactor can have significant impacts on the conversion extent, with higher conversions favoring higher temperatures [9]. Ferrandon et al [8] identified the undesired Cl 2 production in an experimental hydrolysis spray reactor using CuCl 2 , when the operating temperature increases beyond 400 C. Decreasing the system pressure can also increase product yields [10], with the added benefit of limiting copper (I) chloride (CuCl) production.…”

Steam flow effects on hydrolysis reaction kinetics in the Cu–Cl cycle

“…Effective thermal management is required to operate the hydrolysis reactor in a narrow temperature range to achieve high conversion rates and minimal undesirable side reactions [3,4]. Premature solid decomposition can significantly disrupt the balance of the downstream reactors in the cycle.…”