Clean hydrogen production with the Cu–Cl cycle – Progress of international consortium, II: Simulations, thermochemical data and materials

This second of two companion papers presents the latest advances of an international team on the thermochemical copper–chlorine (Cu–Cl) cycle of hydrogen production. It specifically focuses on simulations, thermochemical data, advanced materials, safety, reliability and economics of the Cu–Cl cycle. Aspen Plus simulations of various system configurations are performed to improve the cycle efficiency. In addition, simulations based on exergo-economic and exergy-cost-energy-mass (EXCEM) methods for system design are presented. Modeling of the linkage between nuclear and hydrogen plants demonstrates how the Cu–Cl cycle would be integrated with an SCWR (Super Critical Water Reactor; Canada’s Generation IV reactor). Chemical potentials, solubilities, formation of Cu(I) and Cu(II) complexes and properties of Cu2OCl2, Cu(I) and Cu(II) chloride species are reported. In addition, the development of new advanced materials with improved corrosion resistance is presented. In particular, the performance of new anode electrode structures and thermal spray coatings is presented. This companion set of two papers presents new advances in a range of key enabling technologies for the thermochemical copper–chlorine cycle.