Modeling and experimental assessment of the novel HI‐I ₂ ‐H ₂ O electrolysis for hydrogen generation in the sulfur‐iodine cycle

Abstract

Summary To improve the sulfur‐iodine (SI or IS) cycle for renewable hydrogen production, direct electrolysis of HIx solution (HI‐I2‐H2O) from Bunsen reaction has been recently proposed. This work concerns the detailed microscopic physical performance and electrolytic processes of HIx electrolysis through theoretical simulation and experimental exploration. A two‐dimensional mathematical model of the electrolytic cell for HIx electrolysis was developed, and was verified by the relevance between the simulated and experimental hydrogen production. The concentration, electric and flow field distributions were characterized. The decrease of anodic HI and increase of cathodic H2 were found along the flow direction. The local potential distribution declined from anode to cathode region. Higher pressure drop from the inlet to outlet of channel as well as the pumping power were required for anolyte than catholyte. More detailed electrolytic processes along the flow channel at different operating conditions were analyzed. Increasing temperature from 303 K to 343 K improved the H2 production rate. A low anode flow rate of 0.2 m/s was favorable for achieving high conversion rate of reactants and low consumed pumping power. The developed models and the clarified characteristics of HIx electrolysis will be further applied to the improved SI cycle.

Analysis of internal heat exchange network and hydrogen production efficiency of iodine–sulfur cycle for nuclear hydrogen production

“…In particular, the iodine-sulfur (IS) cycle, a wellknown and promising cycle, is considered the most suitable for coupling with a VHTR to achieve efficient hydrogen production. [13][14] An illustration of the IS cycle is shown in Figure 1, which includes three reaction processes. The first process is a spontaneous and exothermic Bunsen reaction, and the products are H 2 SO 4 and HI.…”

“…The thermochemical water‐splitting cycle is an important research direction for nuclear hydrogen production. In particular, the iodine–sulfur (IS) cycle, a well‐known and promising cycle, is considered the most suitable for coupling with a VHTR to achieve efficient hydrogen production 13‐14 . An illustration of the IS cycle is shown in Figure 1, which includes three reaction processes.…”