A review of thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production: analysis of potential of membrane technology in I-S, UT-3 and CuCl cycles

Abstract

Global warming and climate change necessitate a serious move away from fossil-based systems toward hydrogen economy. A study has been carried out on different thermochemical cycles for hydrogen production to bring about their important aspects. The study involves process description of different routes followed by thermochemical cycles. These include metal oxide processes, sulphur family processes like iodine sulphur cycle and Westinghouse cycle, halide family processes like UT-3 and Ispra Mark cycle, copper chlorine cycle and others. This paper gives an insight into the advantages and disadvantages associated with the processes. The review is done keeping in view the relevant and useful aspects in research to present information in terms of species, operating parameters, reactors, costs involved, safety, etc. This will provide a platform for further research to save effort by referring the basic information on thermochemical cycles, so that an appropriate and satisfactory cycle may be chosen.