New Corrosion Resistant Materials Enable Next Generation Energy Processes

The sulfur-iodine thermochemical process, is a process that allows for the production of hydrogen gas without use of fossil fuels. The sulfur-iodine thermochemical process is a process that has extreme operating environments with temperature exceeding 400C with high concentrations of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), hydroiodic acid (HI) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and therefore a variety of significant material challenges. As conventional materials are pushed to the limits in order to achieve the next generation of chemical processes, new materials are needed to meet those challenges mechanically, chemically and economically.  This paper will discuss the process conditions and the challenges faced in the sulfur-iodine thermochemical process and  how Tantaline’s, tantalum surface alloys were used to meet mechanical, chemical and economic challenges where virtually all other specialty materials like nickel alloys, C276, fluoropolymers, glass and tantalum metal have failed.