The Hydrogen Isotope Separation by the Steam Electrolysis Using the High Temperature-Type Protonic Conductor

Abstract

The hydrogen isotope separation was carried out by the steam electrolysis using the high temperaturetype protonic conductor as a solid electrolyte at 900°C. The total current and the electrolytic amount were reduced by replacing gaseous H₂O with D₂O. This was based on the increase in resistances of the bulk, anodic and cathodic reactions. The TPD (Temperature Programmed Desorption) and complex impedance methods suggested that the increase in bulk resistance was attributed to the decrease in mobility of the charge carrier. H2 was preferentially produced at the cathode by electrolyzing the mixture of gaseous H₂O and D₂O. In this case, the H/D atomic ratio for the gas evolved at the cathode was 1.61, and the separation factor was 1.44.