General Atomic Company

Susan A Stowell

John H Norman

John L Russell, Jr

Hydrogen is produced from water by reacting I.sub.2 SO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O to make hydrogen iodide and sulfuric acid. SO.sub.2 is present in a substantial molar excess with respect to the available H.sub.2 O and I.sub.2 is also present in excess to cause the formation of a lighter sulfuric acid-bearing phase and a heavier hydrogen iodide-bearing phase. The heavier phase is separated from the lighter phase, degassed to remove SO.sub.2 and then treated with additional HI and I.sub.2 to cause the formation of a light immiscible fraction containing sulfuric acid and water which is removed to substantially reduce the sulfur content of the degassed phase. Finally, the hydrogen iodide product is separated and decomposed to produce hydrogen.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Susan A Stowell