ASPECTS OF SOLAR HYDROGEN-PRODUCTION FROM HYDROGEN-SULFIDE USING SEMICONDUCTOR PARTICULATES

Hydrogen sulfide can be decomposed in solar-driven photoelectrochemical cells to its constituent elements. Due to its low energy of formation in comparison with hydrogen heating value, its relative abundance as a by-product of oil and natural ps refining, and marketability of elemental sulfur, H2S may some day become an important source of hydrogen energy. This process can be carried out with the semiconductor electrode in powder form. We have considered how a plant would be configured to carry out the reaction. Specifically, the issues of photocatalyst activity and immobilization are dealt with, as well as the necessary sulfur recovery step.