Hydrogen generation and generator, useful with fuel cell or hydrogen engine, uses high temperature for dissolving silicon or alloy in aqueous alkaline solution and precipitation of anhydrous silica crystals

摘要

In the production of hydrogen (H2) by reacting an aqueous alkaline solution with silicon (Si) and/or Si alloy(s), when H2 is evolved and Si dissolved as Si ions, (a) the Si (alloy) is dissolved at elevated temperature and (b) the dissolved Si ions are precipitated as crystalline, anhydrous silicon dioxide (SiO2) at a temperature >= 150 deg C and below the dissolution temperature of the Si (alloy). An Independent claim is also included for the apparatus used. The apparatus has a H2 reactor with a sealable charging port, gas valve and a permeable plate to hold a charge of Si (alloy). There is also a column below the plate for crystallization of SiO2 and a device for feeding (I) to the plate.