R&D program on thermochemical water-splitting iodine-sulfur process at JAERI

Kubo, Shinji  ; Nakajima, Hayato; Higashi, Shunichi*; Masaki, Tomoo*; Kasahara, Seiji ; Nomura, Mikihiro; Ishiyama, Shintaro; Onuki, Kaoru; Shimizu, Saburo

Studies on thermochemical water-splitting process of iodine-sulfur family (IS process) are being carried out at Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI). IS process is composed of three chemical reactions and works like a chemical engine to produce hydrogen and oxygen from water. HTGR that can supply high temperature of ca. 1000C will be the most suitable energy supplier to drive IS process. JAERI demonstrated the feasibility of continuous hydrogen production by combing the fundamental reactions and separations of IS process in laboratory. At present, hydrogen production test is continuing using a scaled-up glass apparatus. Corrosion-resistant materials for constructing a large-scale plant and process improvements by introducing advanced separation techniques such as membrane separation are under study, as well. Future R&D items are discussed based on these present activities.