Copper-chlorine cycle

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The copper-chlorine cycle (Cu-Cl cycle) is a sequence of processes used for hydrogen production.

The Cu-Cl cycle involves four chemical reactions whose net reaction decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen. All other chemicals are recycled. The Cu-Cl process requires an efficient source of heat.

The Cu-Cl cycle is a hybrid process that employs both thermochemical and electrolysis steps.

[edit] Process Description

The four reactions in the Cu-Cl cycle are as follows:[1][2]

  1. 2 Cu + 2 HCl(g) → 2 CuCl(l) + H2(g) (430°C - 475°C)
  2. 2 Cu2OCl2 → 4 CuCl + O2(g) (500°C)
  3. 2 CuCl2 + H2O(g) → Cu2OCl2 + 2 HCl(g) (400°C)
  4. 2 CuCl → CuCl2(aq) + Cu (ambient-temperature electrolysis)
Net reaction: 2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2

Legend: (g)—gas; (l)—liquid;(aq)—aqueous solution; the balance of the species are in a solid phase.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Rosen, M.A., Naterer, G.F., Sadhankar, R., Suppiah, S., "Nuclear-Based Hydrogen Production with a Thermochemical Copper-Chlorine Cycle and Supercritical Water Reactor", Canadian Hydrogen Association Workshop, Quebec, October 19 – 20, 2006. (PDF).
  2. ^ Lewis, M. and Masin, J., "An Assessment of the Efficiency of the Hybrid Copper-Chloride Thermochemical Cycle", Argonne National Laboratory, University of Chicago, 2 November 2005. (PDF).
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