Abstract:
The electrolysis of cuprous chloride was carried out in the electrochemical cell. The particle size, current density, cathodic current efficiency, conversion of cuprous chloride and yield of copper formed depends strongly on current flow, heat transfer and mass transfer operation. The current flow, heat transfer and mass transfer are depends on surface area ratio of anode to cathode, distance between electrodes, concentration of HCl, applied voltage, flow rate of electrolyte, CuCl concentration and reaction temperature. The electrolysis of cuprous chloride as a part of Cu—Cl thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production is experimentally demonstrated in proof-of-concept work.
Abstract:
The electrochemical cell consists of hollow tube and centralized copper rod. The tubes have first and second ends. The first end cap is used to close the first open end. The anolyte inlet is extended through the first end cap in anolyte compartment and catholyte inlet is extended through the first end cap in catholyte compartment. The anolyte and catholyte compartments are separated by ion exchange membrane fixed over inner hollow tube having holes on the surface. A first Teflon gasket has provision for inlet of anolyte and catholyte tube is secured between first tubes end and first end cap. The copper rod is placed at the center of the tubes acts as cathode. The circular ring works as scrapper to take out deposited copper is provided. A second end cap is used to close the second open. A second Teflon gasket is secured between second tubes end and second end cap. The second end cap has provision for anolyte outlet and comprises a conical dome to collect the deposited copper and transport it along with catholyte. The anolyte trappers and catholyte trappers are connected through the tubes to anolyte and catholyte half cells. The anolyte and catholyte are re-circulated through peristaltic pumps, one on each side.