On the splitting of water

Review of pulsed power for efficient hydrogen production

“…Conversely, if the rise time is less than the pulse width, the applied peak may not be achieved at the load. Bockris et al (1985) experimented with a disc, mechanically driven via direct connection to a wind or water turbine, mounted with permanent magnets arranged to pass electrodes immersed in electrolyte and induce electrical impulses therein. They noted that system energy efficiency could be considerably improved via the pulsed energy supply but that despite not requiring electricity generating and other equipment, the cost of magnets was prohibitive.…”

“…However, pulsing the driving voltage was not investigated. Bockris et al (1985) distinguish between plasmolysis -the use of plasma to generate temperatures sufficient to directly dissociate water into oxygen and hydrogen by pyrolysis, and plasma assisted electrolysis, where plasma is generated to produce photons of appropriate energy so that water could be dissociated in the gas phase. However, the latter requires the addition of aluminium to the plasma thus is not a sustainable approach since it will be oxidised and require rerefining.…”

“…Bockris et al (1985) also briefly discuss using shock waves to dissociate water and mention research by Boyd and Burns (1981). However, the scale of challenge within this method is shown by research into the behaviour of materials under extra-terrestrial planetary conditions; when subjected to the surface gravity of a gas giant, liquid is compressed to half its terrestrial volume.…”

“…Holladay et al 2010), but none since Bockris et al (1985) has included pulsed electrolysis. Many comprehensive reviews exist focusing on conventional hydrogen production methods such as alkaline electrolysis (e.g.…”

Transportation Energy Futures

“…In addition, the conversion of fossil energy to hydrogen fuels would cause major environmental impacts and would not be a renewable energy path. Most of the hydrogen research community agrees that if hydrogen is to be used as a fuel, the (nost attractive source is water (123).…”