| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus for producing hydrogen using an aluminum-based water-split reaction, in which water is reacted with metallic aluminum, at least one-soluble inorganic salt catalyst that causes progressive pitting of the metallic aluminum, and at least one metal oxide initiator that increases temperature upon exposure to water. The solid reactant materials are differentially distributed in a matrix relative to at least one inlet for introducing water to the matrix. The differential distribution affects at least one characteristic of the reaction, such as the rate, temperature, pressure and products of the reaction, the latter comprising one or more of hydrogen, heat and steam. The water-soluble inorganic salt catalyst may be sodium chloride, potassium chloride and combinations thereof, and the metal oxide initiator may be magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and combinations thereof. The solid reactant materials may be differentially distributed by concentrating at least one of the solid reactant materials in at least one area of the matrix relative to the inlet. One or more of the solid reactant materials may be concentrated proximate the inlet so as to achieve a rapid initial reaction upon introduction of water, or may be concentrated in defined packets at spaced apart locations within the matrix to achieve a more moderated action. The solid reactant materials may be positioned in layers arranged concentrically or spirally about the water inlet. The layers may be formed of a water permeable substrate, such as a fiber wool or mat material having the reactant materials deposited thereon. The substrate including the reactant materials may be stored in a disposable container, to which water is introduced via the inlet at the time of use. |
| 主权项 |
1. A method for producing hydrogen using an aluminum-based water-split reaction, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a matrix having at least one inlet for introducing water at a predetermined location; providing a plurality of solid reactant materials for reacting with water to produce hydrogen, the solid reactant materials comprising:
metallic aluminum;at least one water-soluble inorganic salt catalyst that causes progressive pitting of said metallic aluminum to sustain reaction of said metallic aluminum with water; andat least one metal oxide initiator that upon exposure to water causes an increase in temperature to initiate reaction of said water with said metallic aluminum; differentially distributing said plurality of solid reactant materials in said matrix relative to said at least one inlet so that at least one of said solid reactant materials is present in a selected area of said matrix relative to said inlet in an amount that is proportionally greater than at least one other of said solid reactant materials, the step of differentially distributing said plurality of solid reactant materials comprising:
concentrating said at least one of said solid reactant materials in at least one predetermined area in said matrix, the step of concentrating said at least one solid reactant material at at least one predetermined area comprising positioning said solid reactant materials in said matrix in a plurality of layers arranged concentrically about said at least one inlet for introducing water, and introducing water into said matrix through said at least on inlet so that a flow of said water contacts said area of said matrix containing said proportionally greater amount of at least one solid reactant material and at least one other area of said matrix in a sequential manner so as to affect at least one characteristic of said reaction of said water with said solid reactant materials to produce hydrogen. |
