Effect of kinetic factors on hydrogen production by coal slurry electrolysis

For understanding the influence of kinetic factors on coal slurry electrolysis, the voltage, temperature, and H₂SO₄ and Fe³⁺ concentration were studied. The samples of electrolyzed coal and fresh coal, and composition of the supernatant liquid after electrolysis were analyzed respectively by TGA and ICP. The results show that the parameters of voltage, temperature, Fe³⁺ and H₂SO₄ concentration have effect on the current density in the electrolysis. Furthermore, the relationship between the temperature and current density follows the Arrhenius equation. The apparent activation energy of the coal slurry electrolysis is 31.87 kJ/mol at 1 V voltage. TGA and ICP characterization prove that some metal elements in the coal are dissolved into the solution. The coal structure and ash content have obvious difference before and after the electrolysis.