Across the World there is a significant R&D effort concentrated on the Sulphur Iodine cycle, with a view to efficient hydrogen production from water. This paper investigates the application of Nafion® membranes to both the HIx and H2SO4 processing sections.
Flux and selectivity data using a stirred batch process for the dewatering of HI-H2O-I2 solutions have previously been presented. Here, this work is continued by using a continuous flow set up similar to those used in industrial membrane processes. Excellent separation factors were achieved and the data collected correlated closely with that from previous experiments.
Simulations have been performed to identify the potential benefits of dewatering the H2SO4 solution leaving the Bunsen section. An experimental programme has also been carried out, assessing the stability and applicability of Nafion® membranes for water separation by pervaporation. Different thickness Nafion® membranes have been investigated, across a range of temperatures and acid concentrations, and the results are presented here.