Abstract
The disclosure provides a method of producing hydrogen. The method comprises conducting a thermochemical reaction by contacting an active reagent and a basic aqueous solution, to thereby cause water from the basic aqueous solution to react with the active reagent and to produce hydrogen and a basic aqueous solution comprising an oxidised product. The method further comprises disposing the basic aqueous solution comprising the oxidised product in an electrochemical cell comprising an anode and a cathode, such that at least a portion of the cathode contacts the solution; and conducting an electrochemical reaction by applying a voltage across the anode and the cathode to produce hydrogen, oxygen and the active reagent. The active reagent comprises a metal or metal ion in a first oxidation state and the oxidised product comprises the metal or metal ion in a second oxidation state which is higher than the first oxidation state.