Hydrolysis Reactor for Hydrogen Production

Description:

Reference #: 00677

Invention Description:

This technology deals with the production of hydrogen using hydrides. It is a method and reactor configuration for treating a chemical hydride with water at an elevated temperature to cause a reaction (hydrolysis) between the hydride and the water to produce hydrogen. The technology is also a novel method for delivering a hydride to a reaction zone in a manner that allows rapid reaction of a hydride with water to produce hydrogen.

Advantages and Benefits:

This technology does not require acid or a heterogeneous catalyst for hydrolysis to occur. It provides a safe and efficient means of fuel storage, because the chemical hydride is stable for extremely long periods when it is kept dry.

Potential Applications:

This technology can be used for hydrogen production. The hydrogen produced can be used in fuel cells in various applications, and it is particularly applicable to fuel cells as a replacement for batteries or portable generators. This technology can potentially be used in scenarios where the hydrogen storage material is stored for an extended period of time at ambient temperature and pressure before being used on demand, i.e. to supply emergency power for telecommunications.

Development/Demonstration/Validation:

Laboratory experimentation and thermodynamic analysis have verified that rapid hydrolysis of sodium borohydride occurs at elevated temperatures and that the exothermic reaction can maintain the elevated temperature until the reactant has been consumed.

Patent Information:
Title App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Expire Date Patent Status
Hydrolysis Reactor for Hydrogen Production Utility United States 12/874,769 8,323,614 9/2/2010 12/4/2012 9/2/2030  
For Information, Contact:
Technology Commercialization
University of South Carolina
technology@sc.edu
Inventors:
Thomas Davis
Michael Matthews
Keywords:
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