Feasibility of hydrogen production in a steam-carbon electrochemical cell

A high temperature electrochemical cell with a bed of solid carbon at the anode and steam at the cathode is proposed for carbon-assisted hydrogen production. This scheme eliminates the uphill potential barrier and provides a significant reduction in the required electrical work input to produce hydrogen from steam. The electrochemical cell is made of an yttria stabilized zirconia electrolyte with porous platinum electrodes. Current-voltage measurements and gas chromatographic analysis indicate steam utilization and production of carbon-free hydrogen. Measured open circuit potentials of 0.1-0.6 V agree with theoretical values. This downhill driving force allows for spontaneous hydrogen production and cogeneration of electricity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.