Chaima Amor Bouhlel, Marya Al-Jeshi, Jumana Baghabrah
Dhahran Ahliyya Schools, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Water contains dissolved CO2 in the form of carbonates. Ca+2/Mg+2 ions in hard water react with carbonates forming CaCO3/MgCO3 which is poorly soluble in water. The scale has no economical importance and is a waste of minerals. Using H2 and O2 to form a bipolar hydrogen fuel cell will separate CO2 from HCO3- ions in water. The process depends on reversing the reaction that produces carbonates by disturbing the balance of the alkaline electrolyte (CaCO3 (aq)). Adding H2 will lower the high pH level leading to the formation of HCO3- then its breakage into CO2 and OH- to neutralize the electrolyte again. When experimented using Hoffman`s Water Electrolysis Cell, a change in pH level, from high to low then back to high, proves the possibility of reversing the reaction and separating CO2. Ca+2/Mg+2 ions react with OH- giving a hydroxide (base). With no carbonates, the salt type is controllable. An acid is chosen to add to the water to form preferable salt. After acid is added, water is boiled and ingathered in the same chamber CO2 was. Water will react with CO2 forming carbonates again without causing problems for the absence of Ca+2/Mg+2 ions. Water is condensed by cooling the steam down. The salt is gathered and used where needed.