Abstract

A method, apparatuses and chemical compositions are provided for producing high purity hydrogen from water. Metals or alloys capable of reacting with water and producing hydrogen in aqueous solutions at ambient conditions are reacted with one or more inorganic hydrides capable of releasing hydrogen in aqueous solutions at ambient conditions, one or more transition metal compounds are used to catalyze the reaction and, optionally, one or more alkali metal-based compounds. The metal or alloy is preferably aluminum. The inorganic hydride is from a family of complex inorganic hydrides; most preferably, NaBH4. The transition metal catalyst is fiom the groups VIII and IB; preferably, Cu and Fe. The alkali metal-based compounds are preferably NaOH, KOH, and the like. Hydrogen generated has a purity of at least 99.99 vol.% (dry basis), and is used without further purification in all types of fuel cells, including the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell.

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 7,803,349

Application Serial Number

11/445,720

Issue Date

9-28-2010

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Allowance Date

5-26-2010

Filing Date

6-2-2006

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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