Jonathan Mbah

Electrolytic Splitting of H2S Using CsHSO4 Membrane

A thin, solid-state membrane H 2 S electrochemical cell was developed and operated successfully at 150°C and 138 kPa to produce liquid sulfur and hydrogen in electrolysis mode. Anode catalyst ruthenium(IV) oxide/p-dichlorobenzene/cesium hydrogen sulfate (CsHSO 4 )/platinum black is found stable and sustainable over a period of 8 h. Sulfur does not block anode catalyst sites during this sustainable period of operation. The H 2 S splitting process is enhanced with reduction in particle size of the CsHSO 4 crystal.

Thermogravimetric study of vapor pressure of TATP synthesized without recrystallization

This study aims at characterizing the vapor pressure signatures generated by triacetone triperoxide (TATP) that was synthesized without recrystallization by thermogravimmetric analysis (TGA) for exploitation by standoff detection technologies of explosive devices. The thermal behavior of the nonrecrystallized sample was compared with reported values. Any phase change, melting point and decomposition identification were studied by differential scanning calorimeter. Vapor pressures were estimated by the Langmuir method of evaporation from an open surface in a vacuum. Vapor pressures of TATP at different temperatures were calculated using the linear logarithmic relationship obtained from benzoic acid reference standard. Sublimation of TATP was found to follow apparent zero-order kinetics and sublimes at steady rates at 298 K and above. While the enthalpy of sublimation found, 71.7 kJ mol(-1), is in agreement with reported values the vapor pressures deviated significantly. The differences in the vapor pressures behavior are attributable to the synthesis pathway chosen in this study.

Hydrogen Production from Hydrogen Sulfide in IGCC Power Plants

IGCC power plants are the cleanest coal-based power generation facilities in the world. Technical improvements are needed to help make them cost competitive. Sulfur recovery is one procedure in which improvement is possible. This project has developed and demonstrated an electrochemical process that could provide such an improvement. IGCC power plants now in operation extract the sulfur from the synthesis gas as hydrogen sulfide. In this project H{sub 2}S has been electrolyzed to yield sulfur and hydrogen (instead of sulfur and water as is the present practice). The value of the byproduct hydrogen makes this process more cost effective. The electrolysis has exploited some recent developments in solid state electrolytes. The proof of principal for the project concept has been accomplished.