Hydrogen Generation from Sea Water by Means of a Metal Hydrolysis Process

by T. C. Wang, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Inst Inc, United States,
C. K. Tan, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Inst Inc, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Ocean Energy Recovery

Abstract:

Active metals such as magnesium reacted with steam can produce hydrogen. This reduction of water by magnesium or aluminum is a thermodynamically favorable process, however, formation of metal hydroxide shields the metal surface from further reactions to produce H₂. Adding Cl^- ions in the water could enhance the reaction of Mg with water at ambient temperature. Seawater contains approximately 28 g/l of NaCl. The Cl^- in seawater could serve as an effective ion to activate Mg or other metals to react with water. This study was to add Pt, Ni, or Co₃O₄ as catalysts to seawater at ambient temperature to increase reaction between Mg and H₂O and thus results in a higher yield of H₂. The process was a spontaneous hydrolysis reaction which did not require an additional energy supply. The results show that the Cl^- ion is an effective ion to activate magnesium reacting with water. In addition, Pt-colloid can be an effective catalyst in seawater to enhance H₂ production. Based on this bench scale study, an optimal system and large scale reactor can be developed to produce large quantities of hydrogen.

Subject Headings: Sea water | Magnesium | Hydrogen | Water resources | Water chemistry | Temperature effects | Hydro power

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