Effect of anode gas circulation on deuterium isotope separation by polymer electrolyte fuel cell

Separation of hydrogen isotopes is an important process in materials science, biomedical research, and nuclear fields. In this study, we used a polymer electrolyte fuel cell to separate protium (H) and deuterium (D). Here a circulation system recycled hydrogen gas at the anode was used. H and D were enriched in the gas and water phases, respectively. The separation efficiency depends on the gas flow rate through the parameter l, which de -scribes the stoichiometric ratio of circulation gas to feed gas. H and D were simultaneously enriched in their respective phases. The circulation system prolonged the gas circulation time in the system to improve the separation efficiency.(c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.