Hydrogen generation for use e.g. in vehicle fuel cells is effected using an aqueous alkali solution and silicon at relatively low temperature in a novel apparatus speeding up the process

摘要

Generation of H2 from aqueous alkali solutions using Si and/or Si alloys in dissolved Si ion form is such that the process is effected at below 150 deg C so that the dissolved ions do not separate out from the solution as crystalline, anhydrous SiO2. Also included is an Independent claim for apparatus for the H2 production comprising a reactor (1) for the particulate Si (alloy) having a feed opening (2), a feed (4) for the aqueous alkali solution, an outlet (3) and connected control valve (10) for removing the alkali solution and the H2 which has a branch (18) with a gas valve (5,6) for removing the H2; there is also a crystallizer (9), connected via pipe (3) to reactor (1), for removing the crystalline SiO2.