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Production of Hydrogen by Electrolytic Purification of Water
Author(s) -
Mathieson G.,
Langdon A.,
Jamieson G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
developments in chemical engineering and mineral processing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1932-2143
pISSN - 0969-1855
DOI - 10.1002/apj.5500140106
Subject(s) - anode , cathode , electrolyte , hydrogen production , hydrogen , materials science , chemical engineering , flocculation , electrochemistry , chemistry , process engineering , electrode , engineering , organic chemistry
Electrolytic purification of water is not new but has never been widely applied because of failure to meet realistic standards of economy. A continuous process with low cost consumables can compete with standard water treatment processes, even without energy recovery in the form of hydrogen. In order to extend the lower limit of feasible conductivities a specialised cell conjguration was developed. This utilkes a novel form of corroding anode that produces a highly eflective flocculant, in close proximity to a cathode, separated by a simple porous membrane. The active surface of the corroding anode is continually replenished. Flocculant clearance is achieved by high water flow velocity in a flume. Hydrogen is produced separately from anodic products. Other functions like electrolytic flotation, redox and sterilisation are synergistic. Because electrical energy input dominates the operating cost there is a strong incentive to recover the hydrogen, which is produced at about 0.02 Nm 3 per m 3 of water treated and about 25% eficiency.