Electrochemical H/D isotope effects in PEM fuel cell

Abstract

An electrochemical H/D separation system consisting of electrolyzer and PEM fuel cell has been proposed. Isotope separation could be important as a part of the energy saving process in an energy-hydrogen-energy cycle. Any transfer of energy into hydrogen or vice versa induces change of the H/D isotope ratio, which can be considered, as a method to produce heavy water as by-product. In this way, the separation efficiency can contribute to the overall efficiency of the cycle. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.