Commercial activated carbon for the catalytic production of hydrogen via the sulfur–Iodine thermochemical water splitting cycle

Eight commercial activated carbon catalysts were examined for their catalytic activity to decompose hydroiodic acid (HI) to produce hydrogen; a key reaction in the sulfur–iodine (S–I) thermochemical water splitting cycle. Activity was examined under a temperature ramp from 473 to 773 K. No statistically significant correlation was found between the measured catalyst sample properties and catalytic activity. Four of the eight samples were examined for one week of continuous operation at 723 K. All samples appeared to be stable over the period of examination.

► Catalyst activity tests were performed on several commercial activated carbons.
► Although catalytic activity varied significantly, no clear trend was found between sample property and activity.
► Of the samples examined for deactivation, all were stable during one week of continuous tests.