Hydrogen generation utilizing alloys and acids and associated manufacturing methods

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for hydrogen generation via an acid-reactive, hydrogen-producing alloy composition and method for manufacturing which provide hydrogen generation rates that are particularly customizable and adjustable for intended uses and time-spans.

1 .) An acid-reactive alloy composition for hydrogen generation comprising: 
 magnesium in about 30% to 40% by weight;    zinc present in about 40% to about 55% by weight;    iron present in about 2% to about 5% in weight;    and calcium present in about 4% to about 12% by weight.    
   
   
       2 .) A method for producing an acid-reactive alloy composition for hydrogen generation, comprising the steps of: 
 supplying an amount of magnesium and zinc;    placing said provided magnesium and zinc into a container;    heating up said container;    supplying a stream of an inert gas into said container during said heating step;    continuing said heating of said container up to a predetermined temperature at which said magnesium and zinc liquefy;    stirring said magnesium and zinc as they begin to liquefy;    adding an amount of iron to liquefied magnesium and zinc;    adding an amount of calcium to liquefied magnesium and zinc to form an alloy composition which includes magnesium, zinc, calcium and iron;    providing continuous stirring once magnesium and zinc begin to liquefy;    reaching a target temperature once said magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium are mixed with each other; and    introducing a resultant alloy composition into a mold.    
   
   
       3 .) The method in  claim 2  wherein the magnesium is present in about 30% to about 40% by weight, the zinc is present in about 40% to about 55% by weight, the iron is present in about 2% to about 5% in weight, and the calcium is present in about 4% to about 12% by weight.  
   
   
       4 .) The method in  claim 2  wherein the inert gas comprises argon.  
   
   
       5 .) The method in  claim 2  wherein the acid-reactive alloy composition is formed with the mold in accordance with the end use of the acid-reactive alloy composition.  
   
   
       6 .) The method in  claim 5  wherein the mold is in the shape of a columnar rod.  
   
   
       7 .) The method in  claim 2  wherein the mold is shaped using a lost wax method.  
   
   
       8 .) The method in  claim 2  wherein the mold is shaped using investment casing.  
   
   
       9 .) A method for generating hydrogen, comprising the steps of: 
 producing an acid-reactive alloy composition;    supplying a container capable of containing the acid-reactive alloy composition and an acidic fluid;    allowing the acidic fluid and the alloy composition to come into contact;    and generating an amount of hydrogen upon the acidic fluid contacting with the alloy composition.    
   
   
       10 .) The method of  claim 9  wherein the acidic fluid comprises water and an acid.  
   
   
       11 .) The method of  claim 10  wherein the acidic fluid is in the ratio of 4 parts water to one part acid.  
   
   
       12 .) The method of  claim 10  wherein the acid is citric acid.  
   
   
       13 .) The method of  claim 10  wherein the acid is acetic acid.  
   
   
       14 .) The method of  claim 9  wherein the acidic fluid has a pH of about 2 to about 3.  
   
   
       15 .) The method of  claim 9  wherein the pH of the acidic fluid is monitored using a pH sensor.  
   
   
       16 .) The method of  claim 15  wherein the pH sensor will trigger a delivery stream to provide acid to the container when the pH reaches a set point.  
   
   
       17 .) The method in  claim 9  wherein the acid-reactive alloy composition comprises magnesium, zinc, iron, and calcium.  
   
   
       18 .) The method in  claim 9  wherein the magnesium is present in about 30% to 40% by weight, the zinc is present in about 40% to about 55% by weight, the iron is present in about 2% to about 5% in weight, and the calcium is present in about 4% to about 12% by weight.  
   
   
       19 .) The method in  claim 9  wherein the acid-reactive alloy composition is formed with a mold in accordance with the end use of the acid-reactive alloy composition.  
   
   
       20 .) The method in  claim 19  wherein the mold is in the shape of a columnar rod.  
   
   
       21 .) The method in  claim 10  wherein the acidic fluid further comprises a salt.  
   
   
       22 .) The method in  claim 21  wherein the salt comprises sea salt.  
   
   
       23 .) The method in  claim 21  wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of potassium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or magnesium bromide.  
   
   
       24 .) A method for generating hydrogen, comprising the steps of: 
 supplying a specified amount of magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron;    melting and mixing the supplied magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron to form an acid-reactive alloy composition;    forming the acid-reactive alloy composition with a mold into a desired shape of alloy composition;    supplying a container cable of containing the shape of alloy composition and an acidic fluid;    allowing the acidic fluid and the shape of alloy composition to come in contact; and    generating an amount of hydrogen upon said contact of the acidic fluid with the alloy composition.    
   
   
       25 .) The method of  claim 24  wherein the acidic fluid comprises water and an acid.  
   
   
       26 .) The method of  claim 24  wherein the acid comprises citric acid.  
   
   
       27 .) The method of  claim 24  wherein the acid comprises acetic acid.  
   
   
       28 .) The method of  claim 24  wherein the acidic fluid has a pH of about 2 to about 3.  
   
   
       29 .) The method in  claim 24  wherein the acid-reactive alloy composition comprises magnesium, zinc, iron, and calcium.  
   
   
       30 .) The method in  claim 24  wherein the magnesium is present in about 30% to 40% by weight, the zinc is present in about 40% to about 55% by weight, the iron is present in about 2% to about 5% in weight, and the calcium is present in about 4% to about 12% by weight.  
   
   
       31 .) The method in  claim 24  wherein the acid-reactive alloy composition is formed with the mold in accordance with the end use of the acid-reactive alloy composition.  
   
   
       32 .) The method in  claim 24  wherein the mold is in the shape of a columnar rod.  
   
   
       33 .) The method in  claim 24  wherein a plurality of acid-reactive alloy compositions are placed into the container and allowed to contact the acidic fluid.  
   
   
       34 .) The method in  claim 24  wherein the dimensions of the container are about 10×12×18 inches to about 24×28×42 inches.