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.