Low-temperature water-splitting by sodium redox reaction

Thermochemical water-splitting by sodium redox reactions was investigated from material science point of view as a future hydrogen production method. The reaction system consists of three separate reactions, which are hydrogen generation by NaOH-Na reaction, metal separation by thermolysis of Na2O, and oxygen generation by hydrolysis of Na2O2. Although the current techniques of thermochemical water-splitting required a temperature higher than 800 °C for whole reaction cycle, the sodium system was able to be operated below only 400 °C by using nonequilibrium techniques to control the entropy of the chemical reactions. Therefore, this system should be recognized as a potential water-splitting technique that can widely utilize any heat sources in contrast to the conventional methods.

► Hydrogen production via water-splitting by sodium redox reactions can proceed below 400 °C. ► Entropy control by using nonequilibrium technique successfully reduces the reaction temperature. ► The operating temperature of 400 °C is significantly lower than that of conventional techniques.