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Scalable and efficient separation of hydrogen isotopes using graphene-based electrochemical pumping

Author

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  • M. Lozada-Hidalgo

    (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester)

  • S. Zhang

    (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester)

  • S. Hu

    (National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester)

  • A. Esfandiar

    (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester)

  • I. V. Grigorieva

    (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester)

  • A. K. Geim

    (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Manchester)

Abstract

Thousands of tons of isotopic mixtures are processed annually for heavy-water production and tritium decontamination. The existing technologies remain extremely energy intensive and require large capital investments. New approaches are needed to reduce the industry’s footprint. Recently, micrometre-size crystals of graphene are shown to act as efficient sieves for hydrogen isotopes pumped through graphene electrochemically. Here we report a fully-scalable approach, using graphene obtained by chemical vapour deposition, which allows a proton-deuteron separation factor of around 8, despite cracks and imperfections. The energy consumption is projected to be orders of magnitude smaller with respect to existing technologies. A membrane based on 30 m2 of graphene, a readily accessible amount, could provide a heavy-water output comparable to that of modern plants. Even higher efficiency is expected for tritium separation. With no fundamental obstacles for scaling up, the technology’s simplicity, efficiency and green credentials call for consideration by the nuclear and related industries.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Lozada-Hidalgo & S. Zhang & S. Hu & A. Esfandiar & I. V. Grigorieva & A. K. Geim, 2017. "Scalable and efficient separation of hydrogen isotopes using graphene-based electrochemical pumping," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-5, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms15215
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15215
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    Cited by:

    1. Yixuan Zhao & Yuqing Song & Zhaoning Hu & Wendong Wang & Zhenghua Chang & Yan Zhang & Qi Lu & Haotian Wu & Junhao Liao & Wentao Zou & Xin Gao & Kaicheng Jia & La Zhuo & Jingyi Hu & Qin Xie & Rui Zhang, 2022. "Large-area transfer of two-dimensional materials free of cracks, contamination and wrinkles via controllable conformal contact," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Paul, Lagnajita & Lee, Ju Dong & Linga, Praveen & Kumar, Rajnish, 2024. "Exploring thermodynamic viable conditions for separation of highly energy intensive H2O and D2O mixtures through gas hydrate based process," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 368(C).
    3. Nicholas, T.E.G. & Davis, T.P. & Federici, F. & Leland, J. & Patel, B.S. & Vincent, C. & Ward, S.H., 2021. "Re-examining the role of nuclear fusion in a renewables-based energy mix," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).

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