The Exploration of Working Reactions for Electrolysers Using Statistical Mechanics

This thermodynamic analysis theoretically explores the performance of a general electrolyser, and specifically for their working reactions (WRs). The electrolyser cell (EC) system is composed of an electrolyser and heat engines. The optimal working reactions for electrolysis suitable for energy storage require a high Carnot temperature, T-c,T- and high Delta T Delta S-r(T) values in order to minimize Delta G while maximizing the amount of thermal energy that can be converted to chemical energy. In addition, reactions with multiple products and few reactants create additional entropy; that is, many high entropy products coming from a few low entropy reactants, are optimal. A procedure using statistical mechanics was developed and employed to locate optimal WRs focused on the values of Delta S-r(o), T-c, and the number of products and reactants. The research and development direction for electrolyser WRs is discussed.