Multi-phase reactor for hydrogen production

Abstract

A method of producing hydrogen is described. The method comprises conducting a thermochemical reaction by contacting an active reagent and a basic aqueous solution, for example the hydrolysis of zinc in sodium hydroxide solution, which causes water from the basic aqueous solution to react with the active reagent and to produce hydrogen and a basic aqueous solution comprising an oxidised product. The method further comprises disposing the basic aqueous solution comprising the oxidised product in an electrochemical cell comprising an anode and a cathode, such that at least a portion of the cathode contacts the solution; and conducting an electrochemical reaction by applying a voltage across the anode and the cathode to produce hydrogen, oxygen and the active reagent. The active reagent comprises a metal or metal ion in a first oxidation state and the oxidised product comprises the metal or metal ion in a second oxidation state which is higher than the first oxidation state. Both the electrochemical and thermochemical reactions can be operated continuously.

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