On the technology of ocean thermal energy utilization for hydrogen production

摘要

The paper considers the possibilities of using thermal ocean energy generated by floating ocean thermal power stations for hydrogen production. Thermodynamic aspects of this method are analysed by calculating the minimal thermodynamic work of hydrogen production from water and technological schemes of the process are presented. Direct electrolysis of sea water for hydrogen and oxygen production is proposed as the key modification of this method. Electrocatalytic aspects of anode and cathode reactions are considered. Experimental data are also presented on electrochemical characteristics of some cathode materials, including a series of amorphous alloys, in the hydrogen evolution reaction.