The hybrid sulfur thermochemical cycle has been proposed as a means to produce efficiently massive quantities of clean hydrogen using a high-temperature heat source like nuclear or solar.The cycle consists of two steps, one of which is electrolytic. The reversible cell potential for this step and, hence, the resulting operating potential will depend on the concentrations of dissolved SO 2 and sulfuric acid at the electrode. To understand better how these are related as functions of temperature and pressure, an Aspen Plus phase equilibrium model using the OLI Mixed Solvent Electrolyte physical properties method was employed to determine the activities of the species present in the system. These activities were used in conjunction with the Nernst equation to determine the reversible cell potential as a function of sulfuric acid concentration, temperature and pressure. A significant difference between the reversible and actual cell potentials was found, suggesting that there may be considerable room for reducing the operating potential.

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Innovation and the development of technology are recognized worldwide as the driving force for competitiveness and economic prosperity. Without diminishing the importance of scientific research, it is now evident that innovation and the development of technology constitute primarily a needs-driven creative professional practice which requires engineering leadership. Experience shows that developing technology and engineers simultaneously is a very effective way of increasing industry's capacity to innovate effectively. In order to contribute most effectively to industrial innovation and the creation of wealth, graduate engineers need to develop their practical and leadership skills as well as their technical knowledge and theoretical understanding throughout their careers. This requires an educational approach driven by the satisfaction of real industrial needs which is commensurate with the professional dimensions of engineering leadership.