Electrochemical Recycling Of Iron For Hydrogen-Production

The concept of obtaining hydrogen in commercial quantities using iron as the fuel and water as the oxidant in a fuel cell has been examined. Data on the performance of laboratory cells are given. The calculated net minimum cost of the hydrogen is based on credits derived from the sale of by-product electrical energy. Hydrogen costs, substantially less than the present market price of hydrogen produced from natural gas, are envisaged. Sufficient hydrogen gas could be produced to satisfy 40% of the needs of the ammonia industry, and electrical energy to meet 50% of the electricity requirements of the present residential consumption in a large city like Houston.