Produce High-Pressure Hydrogen From Water

An abundant energy resource, hydrogen (H₂) has been considered as a potential energy carrier, but it has yet to reach its full commercial potential and applicability. Currently generated from non-renewable petroleum and natural gas, H₂ could, with an appropriate energy source, be generated from renewable resources such as water. Since H₂ gas is energy rich compared to gasoline on a per-weight basis, but relatively poor on a volumetric basis, large volumes of H₂ gas must be stored and transported for direct use with a H₂ fuel cell.

SiGNa has developed a new low-temperature method for stabilizing alkali metal-silicide powders that can be used as a simple means of instantaneous and quantitative H₂ generation from its reaction with water. The byproducts of this reaction are environmentally benign, producing alkali metal silicates, a major component of toothpaste. The materials are free-flowing, amorphous, gray-black particles that are easily handled and used in dry air. They do not react with oxygen and they absorb moisture from air slowly without ignition. These advantageous properties combine to make these materials convenient sources for H₂ in quantitative yield.

View SiGNa Products by the reactions they perform.

Typical Reactions