HI decomposition catalyst development studies. Final report, 1 January 1980-31 January 1981

This investigation was intended to demonstrate the viability of the enhanced conversion process of liquid hydrogen iodide HI(l) decomposition under anticipated process conditions. To accomplish this, an apparatus was designed, fabricated, and tested to decompose flowing HI(l) at high-temperature, high-pressure operating conditions. The catalytic systems of supported platinum and activated charcoal were studied. The platinum data correlated well with the extrapolated low-temperature data previously obtained; the activated charcoal catalyst demonstrated good activity initially but showed a cutoff in activity apparently due to iodine pore plugging. The platinum results added confidence for using the HI(l) decomposition process under anticipated engineering conditions. The high-pressure, high-temperature extreme conditions showed no innate problems. These studies enhanced the viability of the GA sulfur-iodine cycle.