US20030051785A1 - Solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt - Google Patents

Solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030051785A1
US20030051785A1 US10/117,915 US11791502A US2003051785A1 US 20030051785 A1 US20030051785 A1 US 20030051785A1 US 11791502 A US11791502 A US 11791502A US 2003051785 A1 US2003051785 A1 US 2003051785A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
alkali metal
hydrogen
solid composition
metal borohydride
combustion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/117,915
Inventor
Corinne Gauthier
Christian Perut
Denis Roller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Safran Ceramics SA
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Assigned to SNPE reassignment SNPE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GAUTHIER, CORINNE, PERUT, CHRISTIAN, ROLLER, DENIS
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20030051785A1 publication Critical patent/US20030051785A1/en
Assigned to SNPE MATERIAUX ENERGETIQUES reassignment SNPE MATERIAUX ENERGETIQUES ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SNPE
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01BNON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
    • C01B3/00Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
    • C01B3/02Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
    • C01B3/06Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents
    • C01B3/065Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of inorganic compounds containing electro-positively bound hydrogen, e.g. water, acids, bases, ammonia, with inorganic reducing agents from a hydride
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C06EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
    • C06BEXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
    • C06B43/00Compositions characterised by explosive or thermic constituents not provided for in groups C06B25/00 - C06B41/00
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C06EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
    • C06BEXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS EXPLOSIVES
    • C06B47/00Compositions in which the components are separately stored until the moment of burning or explosion, e.g. "Sprengel"-type explosives; Suspensions of solid component in a normally non-explosive liquid phase, including a thickened aqueous phase
    • C06B47/02Compositions in which the components are separately stored until the moment of burning or explosion, e.g. "Sprengel"-type explosives; Suspensions of solid component in a normally non-explosive liquid phase, including a thickened aqueous phase the components comprising a binary propellant
    • C06B47/10Compositions in which the components are separately stored until the moment of burning or explosion, e.g. "Sprengel"-type explosives; Suspensions of solid component in a normally non-explosive liquid phase, including a thickened aqueous phase the components comprising a binary propellant a component containing free boron, an organic borane or a binary compound of boron, except with oxygen
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/06Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
    • H01M8/0606Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
    • H01M8/065Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants by dissolution of metals or alloys; by dehydriding metallic substances
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/36Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of hydrogen generators, hydrogen being a gas widely used as fuel or as reducing agent in many industrial processes or devices.
  • the subject of the invention is novel solid compositions that can decompose generating hydrogen in a self-sustaining combustion reaction, and the use of these compositions to supply proton exchange membrane fuel cells with hydrogen.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,699 describes solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, these consisting of a mixture of a metal borohydride, for example sodium borohydride NaBH 4 , with a metal oxide, for example iron oxide FE 2 O 3 or aluminium oxide Al 2 O 3 .
  • a metal borohydride for example sodium borohydride NaBH 4
  • a metal oxide for example iron oxide FE 2 O 3 or aluminium oxide Al 2 O 3 .
  • the mass yields of hydrogen produced are low, less than 5% expressed as weight of hydrogen obtained with respect to the total weight of the composition.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,225 describes other solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, these consisting of a mixture of a metal borohydride, for example sodium borohydride, with ammonium sulphate (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 or ammonium dichromate (NH 4 ) 2 Cr 2 O 7 .
  • the present invention provides a solution to this problem.
  • the subject of the invention is a novel solid composition that can decompose generating hydrogen in a self-sustaining combustion reaction after this reaction has been initiated by an appropriate heat source, the said composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt satisfying the general formula NH 4 Y in which Y represents a group consisting only of nitrogen and oxygen, the ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH 4 Y being between 1 and 4.
  • Y represents the nitrate group (—NO 3 ) or the dinitramide group
  • Ammonium nitrate is particularly preferred.
  • compositions according to the invention contain no organic matter, that is to say they only consist of mineral compounds.
  • the alkali metal borohydride and the mineral ammonium salt of formula NH 4 Y that is to say these constituents are the predominant ones by weight. It should be understood that the sum of the weight contents of the alkali metal borohydride and of the ammonium salt of formula NH 4 Y is greater than or equal to 75%, better still greater than or equal to 90% and even greater than or equal to 95%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
  • compositions consisting only of an alkali metal borohydride and a salt of formula NH 4 Y are particularly preferred.
  • the expression “consisting only” should be understood to mean that the compositions may, however, include the impurities present in the as-received or purified alkali metal borohydride and in the as-received or purified salt of formula NH 4 Y which are used, or else additives such as stabilizers, whether these products are commercial products or are synthesized using standard methods.
  • compositions do not consist only of the alkali metal borohydride and the ammonium salt of formula NH 4 Y, they may, for example, also include other metal, especially alkaline-earth metal, borohydrides and/or a metal hydride and/or other oxidizing mineral salts such as alkali metal nitrates, ammonium sulphate, ammonium dichromate, iron oxides and aluminium oxide.
  • other metal especially alkaline-earth metal, borohydrides and/or a metal hydride and/or other oxidizing mineral salts such as alkali metal nitrates, ammonium sulphate, ammonium dichromate, iron oxides and aluminium oxide.
  • the alkali metal borohydride is chosen from the group consisting of lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride and mixtures thereof.
  • the solid compositions according to the invention are in the form of a compact material, having an intrinsic shape, for example, and as a preference, in the form of pellets or particles.
  • the particles may have any, preferably spherical, ovoid or cylindrical, shape.
  • the pellets may also have any thickness and any peripheral geometry, for example circular, elliptical, square or rectangular geometry.
  • the thickness of the pellets may not be constant.
  • the solid compositions according to the invention may be obtained by analogy with the methods described, used to obtain the aforementioned solid compositions of the prior art, for example by simple mixing of the constituents, grinding and then mechanical homogenization. It is also possible to grind the constituents before mixing them, or else to use constituents already in a pulverulent form.
  • compositions may also be obtained by granulation.
  • the homogeneous, granular or pulverulent, mixture of the various constituents may, for example, be agglomerated by compacting them in a pressing container having the desired shape and dimensions of the compact material.
  • the subject of the present invention is also a process for generating hydrogen by self-sustaining combustion of a solid composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt.
  • a homogeneous pulverulent or granular, solid composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt of general formula NH 4 Y, Y having the aforementioned meaning and the ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH 4 Y being between 1 and 4, is firstly produced.
  • this composition is agglomerated using appropriate means, for example those mentioned above, so as to form a compact material, and then the compact material is placed in a combustion chamber which is purged with an inert gas or in which a vacuum is created.
  • Appropriate heat sources for initiating the combustion by the “Joule” effect are well known to those skilled in the art, especially electrical initiators. It is perfectly suitable to use a nickel-chromium ignition filament placed in contact with or encapsulated in the composition to be initiated, on which filament a sufficient voltage and a current of sufficient intensity (and therefore a sufficient power) are imposed. It is possible, for example, for a given voltage to increase the intensity of the current until the combustion is initiated.
  • a conventional relay-ignition powder may be placed between the filament and the compact material.
  • the subject of the present invention is also a pyrotechnic hydrogen generator intended to supply a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with hydrogen, comprising an aforementioned solid composition according to the invention.
  • Fuel cells operating with hydrogen also called proton exchange membrane fuel cells, are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • Such a fuel cell essentially consists of two parts:
  • the core of the fuel cell consisting of one or more electrochemical cells mounted in series, which produces the electrical energy
  • the fuel namely hydrogen, reservoir.
  • auxiliary systems especially those for supplying the core of the fuel cell with hydrogen, for removing the water produced or for cooling.
  • Each cell of the core of the fuel cell delivers the electrical energy as a result of the two electrochemical reactions taking place at the two electrodes which are immersed in an electrolyte and separated by a proton exchange membrane.
  • the hydrogen at the anode is oxidized, separating into protons and electrons.
  • the flux of protons passes through the membrane, while the electrons are captured by an external electrical circuit.
  • the protons and the electrons recombine with oxygen on the other side of the membrane, at the cathode, in order to produce water.
  • the pyrotechnic hydrogen generators according to the invention essentially consist of one or more chambers in which a solid composition according to the invention, separate means for initiating the combustion of the composition in each of the chambers, means for actuating this initiation and means for transferring the hydrogen liberated in the chambers to the anode of a cell of the core of the fuel cell are placed.
  • the overall amount of hydrogen capable of being delivered by the generator is liberated discontinuously by a separate initiation of the combustion of the solid compositions contained in the various chambers.
  • the mass of solid composition in each chamber may be identical or different from one chamber to another. This latter variant makes it possible to liberate hydrogen in an amount tailored to a particular need.
  • the various chambers may run into a chamber in which the liberated hydrogen expands, this expansion chamber being connected to the anode compartment of a cell, or one of the walls of which is at least partly formed by the anode.
  • the subject of the present invention is also a proton exchange membrane fuel cell using hydrogen as fuel, comprising at least one electrochemical cell and at least one aforementioned pyrotechnic hydrogen generator according to the invention, connected to the anode compartment of the cell.
  • Solid composition consisting of a mixture of NaBH 4 and NH 4 NO 3 in relative weight proportions of 60/40 respectively.
  • a mixture of 90 g of NaBH 4 and 60 g of NH 4 NO 3 containing 7% by weight of KNO 3 as phase-stabilizing additive were ground and then homogenized.
  • the circular pellet thus obtained having a diameter of 5 mm and a mass of 80 mg, was put into a combustion chamber having a volume of 10 cm 3 , the said chamber being fitted with a pressure gauge, a temperature probe and a standard ignition device comprising a nickel (80 wt %)-chromium (20 wt %) filament.
  • the pellet was brought into contact with the filament and the chamber then purged with an inert gas (nitrogen) at an absolute pressure of 10 5 Pa (1 bar)
  • the filament was then heated by the Joule effect until initiation of the combustion of the composition.
  • the measured combustion temperature was 1044 K.
  • Example 1 the same procedure as in Example 1 was strictly carried out, with the same two constituents (NaBH 4 and NH 4 NO 3 ), with a pellet of the same mass being obtained, but with different weight proportions of these two constituents.
  • Table 1 specifies, for each example, the NaBH 4 /NH 4 NO 3 weight proportions of the composition, the measured combustion temperature and the hydrogen mass yield obtained. TABLE 1 Combustion Hydrogen NaBH 4 /NH 4 NO 3 temperature yield mass ratio (K) (%) Example 2 65/35 958 8.7 Example 3 70/30 865 9.0 Example 4 75/25 515 9.3 Example 5 78/22 265 9.4
  • Table 2 specifies, for each example, the LiBH 4 /NH 4 NO 3 weight proportions of the composition, the measured combustion temperature and the hydrogen mass yield obtained.
  • Example 6 50/50 1500 11.8
  • Example 7 55/45 1435 12.4
  • Example 8 60/40 1320 13.1
  • Example 9 65/35 1060 13.4

Abstract

The invention relates to solid compositions that can decompose generating hydrogen in a self-sustaining combustion reaction after this reaction has been initiated by an appropriate heat source. These compositions comprise an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt of formula NH4Y, in which Y represents a group consisting only of nitrogen and oxygen. The ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH4Y is between 1 and 4. Thus, high hydrogen mass yields are obtained, of around 8 to 14%, thereby making it possible to reduce the size and the weight of the hydrogen generators used in certain systems, especially in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Description

  • The present invention relates to the field of hydrogen generators, hydrogen being a gas widely used as fuel or as reducing agent in many industrial processes or devices. [0001]
  • More specifically, the subject of the invention is novel solid compositions that can decompose generating hydrogen in a self-sustaining combustion reaction, and the use of these compositions to supply proton exchange membrane fuel cells with hydrogen. [0002]
  • Many solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion are known, especially for producing hydrogen intended to serve as fuel in chemical lasers. [0003]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,699 describes solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, these consisting of a mixture of a metal borohydride, for example sodium borohydride NaBH[0004] 4, with a metal oxide, for example iron oxide FE2O3 or aluminium oxide Al2O3.
  • However, the mass yields of hydrogen produced are low, less than 5% expressed as weight of hydrogen obtained with respect to the total weight of the composition. [0005]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,225 describes other solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, these consisting of a mixture of a metal borohydride, for example sodium borohydride, with ammonium sulphate (NH[0006] 4)2SO4 or ammonium dichromate (NH4)2Cr2O7.
  • The mass yields are slightly higher, around 6%. [0007]
  • Such hydrogen yields, less than or about 5%, prove in practice to be insufficient, especially when miniaturization of systems is desired, for example when it is wished to replace the batteries of portable electronic systems, such as telephones and computers, with miniature hydrogen fuel cells. [0008]
  • A person skilled in the art therefore is permanently trying to find novel solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion which provide better hydrogen mass yields so as to reduce as far as possible the size and the weight of generators in these portable miniaturized systems. [0009]
  • The present invention provides a solution to this problem. [0010]
  • More specifically, the subject of the invention is a novel solid composition that can decompose generating hydrogen in a self-sustaining combustion reaction after this reaction has been initiated by an appropriate heat source, the said composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt satisfying the general formula NH[0011] 4Y in which Y represents a group consisting only of nitrogen and oxygen, the ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH4Y being between 1 and 4.
  • Unexpectedly, it has been found that such compositions result in a hydrogen mass yield of around 8% to 14% depending on the nature and the relative proportions of the constituents, this constituting a particularly advantageous technical and economic advance for the reasons mentioned above. [0012]
  • Preferably, Y represents the nitrate group (—NO[0013] 3) or the dinitramide group
    Figure US20030051785A1-20030320-C00001
  • Ammonium nitrate is particularly preferred. [0014]
  • According to a preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the invention contain no organic matter, that is to say they only consist of mineral compounds. [0015]
  • Particularly preferably, they essentially consist of the alkali metal borohydride and the mineral ammonium salt of formula NH[0016] 4Y, that is to say these constituents are the predominant ones by weight. It should be understood that the sum of the weight contents of the alkali metal borohydride and of the ammonium salt of formula NH4Y is greater than or equal to 75%, better still greater than or equal to 90% and even greater than or equal to 95%, with respect to the total weight of the composition.
  • Compositions consisting only of an alkali metal borohydride and a salt of formula NH[0017] 4Y are particularly preferred. The expression “consisting only” should be understood to mean that the compositions may, however, include the impurities present in the as-received or purified alkali metal borohydride and in the as-received or purified salt of formula NH4Y which are used, or else additives such as stabilizers, whether these products are commercial products or are synthesized using standard methods.
  • When the compositions do not consist only of the alkali metal borohydride and the ammonium salt of formula NH[0018] 4Y, they may, for example, also include other metal, especially alkaline-earth metal, borohydrides and/or a metal hydride and/or other oxidizing mineral salts such as alkali metal nitrates, ammonium sulphate, ammonium dichromate, iron oxides and aluminium oxide.
  • According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the alkali metal borohydride is chosen from the group consisting of lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride and mixtures thereof. [0019]
  • According to another preferred embodiment, the solid compositions according to the invention are in the form of a compact material, having an intrinsic shape, for example, and as a preference, in the form of pellets or particles. The particles may have any, preferably spherical, ovoid or cylindrical, shape. [0020]
  • The pellets may also have any thickness and any peripheral geometry, for example circular, elliptical, square or rectangular geometry. [0021]
  • The thickness of the pellets may not be constant. [0022]
  • The solid compositions according to the invention may be obtained by analogy with the methods described, used to obtain the aforementioned solid compositions of the prior art, for example by simple mixing of the constituents, grinding and then mechanical homogenization. It is also possible to grind the constituents before mixing them, or else to use constituents already in a pulverulent form. [0023]
  • The compositions may also be obtained by granulation. [0024]
  • When, preferably, it is desired to obtain a solid composition in the form of a compact material, the homogeneous, granular or pulverulent, mixture of the various constituents may, for example, be agglomerated by compacting them in a pressing container having the desired shape and dimensions of the compact material. [0025]
  • It is also possible to obtain a compact material by putting the constituents into solution and/or suspension in a liquid medium. After homogenization and injection into a mould having the appropriate dimensions desired for the compact material, the liquid is removed, for example by evaporation, thereby producing a compact material. [0026]
  • The subject of the present invention is also a process for generating hydrogen by self-sustaining combustion of a solid composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt. [0027]
  • According to this process, a homogeneous pulverulent or granular, solid composition, comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt of general formula NH[0028] 4Y, Y having the aforementioned meaning and the ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH4Y being between 1 and 4, is firstly produced.
  • Next, this composition is agglomerated using appropriate means, for example those mentioned above, so as to form a compact material, and then the compact material is placed in a combustion chamber which is purged with an inert gas or in which a vacuum is created. [0029]
  • When the dead volume (the volume remaining in the chamber after the compact material has been placed therein) is low, such a purge may in practice be unnecessary. [0030]
  • Combustion of the compact material is then initiated using an appropriate heat source, which causes the self-sustaining combustion of the material with generation of hydrogen until the end of combustion. [0031]
  • Appropriate heat sources for initiating the combustion by the “Joule” effect are well known to those skilled in the art, especially electrical initiators. It is perfectly suitable to use a nickel-chromium ignition filament placed in contact with or encapsulated in the composition to be initiated, on which filament a sufficient voltage and a current of sufficient intensity (and therefore a sufficient power) are imposed. It is possible, for example, for a given voltage to increase the intensity of the current until the combustion is initiated. [0032]
  • In certain cases, in order to promote ignition, a conventional relay-ignition powder, well known to those skilled in the art, may be placed between the filament and the compact material. [0033]
  • The subject of the present invention is also a pyrotechnic hydrogen generator intended to supply a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with hydrogen, comprising an aforementioned solid composition according to the invention. [0034]
  • Fuel cells operating with hydrogen, also called proton exchange membrane fuel cells, are well known to those skilled in the art. [0035]
  • Such a fuel cell essentially consists of two parts: [0036]
  • the core of the fuel cell, consisting of one or more electrochemical cells mounted in series, which produces the electrical energy; [0037]
  • the fuel, namely hydrogen, reservoir. [0038]
  • Attached to these two main parts are auxiliary systems, especially those for supplying the core of the fuel cell with hydrogen, for removing the water produced or for cooling. [0039]
  • Each cell of the core of the fuel cell delivers the electrical energy as a result of the two electrochemical reactions taking place at the two electrodes which are immersed in an electrolyte and separated by a proton exchange membrane. In the presence of a catalyst, the hydrogen at the anode is oxidized, separating into protons and electrons. The flux of protons passes through the membrane, while the electrons are captured by an external electrical circuit. The protons and the electrons recombine with oxygen on the other side of the membrane, at the cathode, in order to produce water. [0040]
  • The pyrotechnic hydrogen generators according to the invention essentially consist of one or more chambers in which a solid composition according to the invention, separate means for initiating the combustion of the composition in each of the chambers, means for actuating this initiation and means for transferring the hydrogen liberated in the chambers to the anode of a cell of the core of the fuel cell are placed. [0041]
  • Preferably, the overall amount of hydrogen capable of being delivered by the generator is liberated discontinuously by a separate initiation of the combustion of the solid compositions contained in the various chambers. The mass of solid composition in each chamber may be identical or different from one chamber to another. This latter variant makes it possible to liberate hydrogen in an amount tailored to a particular need. [0042]
  • The various chambers may run into a chamber in which the liberated hydrogen expands, this expansion chamber being connected to the anode compartment of a cell, or one of the walls of which is at least partly formed by the anode. [0043]
  • The subject of the present invention is also a proton exchange membrane fuel cell using hydrogen as fuel, comprising at least one electrochemical cell and at least one aforementioned pyrotechnic hydrogen generator according to the invention, connected to the anode compartment of the cell. [0044]
  • The following non-limiting examples illustrate the invention and the advantages that it affords.[0045]
  • EXAMPLE 1
  • Solid composition consisting of a mixture of NaBH[0046] 4 and NH4NO3 in relative weight proportions of 60/40 respectively.
  • A mixture of 90 g of NaBH[0047] 4 and 60 g of NH4NO3 containing 7% by weight of KNO3 as phase-stabilizing additive were ground and then homogenized.
  • Next, one portion of the homogeneous, pulverulent mixture thus obtained was put into and then compacted in the compression die of a pelletizer having the desired pellet geometry, under a pressure of 10[0048] 7 Pa (100 bar).
  • Next, the circular pellet thus obtained, having a diameter of 5 mm and a mass of 80 mg, was put into a combustion chamber having a volume of 10 cm[0049] 3, the said chamber being fitted with a pressure gauge, a temperature probe and a standard ignition device comprising a nickel (80 wt %)-chromium (20 wt %) filament. The pellet was brought into contact with the filament and the chamber then purged with an inert gas (nitrogen) at an absolute pressure of 105 Pa (1 bar) The filament was then heated by the Joule effect until initiation of the combustion of the composition.
  • Once initiated, the combustion of the composition was self-sustaining and lasted about 3 s. [0050]
  • The measured combustion temperature was 1044 K. [0051]
  • After combustion, the chamber was cooled to room temperature and the pressure in the chamber then noted. [0052]
  • The measured increase in pressure and the analysis of the gases present after combustion, using chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, were used to calculate a hydrogen mass yield of 8.2%, expressed as g of hydrogen liberated per g of solid composition. [0053]
  • EXAMPLES 2 to 5
  • Solid compositions consisting of NaBH[0054] 4/NH4NO3 mixtures in other weight proportions.
  • For these examples, the same procedure as in Example 1 was strictly carried out, with the same two constituents (NaBH[0055] 4 and NH4NO3), with a pellet of the same mass being obtained, but with different weight proportions of these two constituents.
  • Table 1 below specifies, for each example, the NaBH[0056] 4/NH4NO3 weight proportions of the composition, the measured combustion temperature and the hydrogen mass yield obtained.
    TABLE 1
    Combustion Hydrogen
    NaBH4/NH4NO3 temperature yield
    mass ratio (K) (%)
    Example 2 65/35 958 8.7
    Example 3 70/30 865 9.0
    Example 4 75/25 515 9.3
    Example 5 78/22 265 9.4
  • EXAMPLES 6 to 10
  • Solid compositions consisting of LiBH[0057] 4/NH4NO3 mixtures in various weight proportions.
  • For these examples, the same procedure as in Examples 1 to 5 was strictly carried out, but the sodium borohydride was replaced with lithium borohydride. [0058]
  • Table 2 below specifies, for each example, the LiBH[0059] 4/NH4NO3 weight proportions of the composition, the measured combustion temperature and the hydrogen mass yield obtained.
    Combustion Hydrogen
    LiBH4/NH4NO3 temperature yield
    mass ratio (K) (%)
    Example 6 50/50 1500 11.8
    Example 7 55/45 1435 12.4
    Example 8 60/40 1320 13.1
    Example 9 65/35 1060 13.4
    Example 10 70/30 805 13.5

Claims (11)

1. Solid composition that can decompose generating hydrogen in a self-sustaining combustion reaction after this reaction has been initiated by an appropriate heat source, the said composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt, characterized in that the said salt satisfies the general formula NH4Y in which Y represents a group consisting only of nitrogen and oxygen, and in that the ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH4Y is between 1 and 4.
2. Solid composition according to claim 1, characterized in that Y represents the nitrate or dinitramide group.
3. Solid composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in the form of a compact material
4. Solid composition according to claim 3, characterized in that the compact material is a pellet or a particle.
5. Solid composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains no organic matter.
6. Solid composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it essentially consists of an alkali metal borohydride and a salt of general formula NH4Y.
7. Solid composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the sum of the weight contents of alkali metal borohydride and of the salt of general formula NH4Y is greater than or equal to 90% compared with the total weight of the composition.
8. Solid composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the alkali metal borohydride is chosen from the group consisting of lithium borohydride, sodium borohydride and mixtures thereof.
9. Process for generating hydrogen by self-sustaining combustion of a solid composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an oxidizing mineral ammonium salt, characterized in that:
a homogenous, pulverulent or granular, solid composition comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt of general formula NH4Y, in which Y represents a group consisting only of nitrogen and oxygen, the ratio of the weight content of alkali metal borohydride to the weight content of the salt of general formula NH4Y being between 1 and 4, is produced;
next, this composition is agglomerated using appropriate means so as to form a compact material;
the compact material is placed in a combustion chamber; and
the combustion of the compact material is initiated using an appropriate heat source, which causes the self-sustaining combustion of the material with generation of hydrogen until the end of combustion.
10. Hydrogen generator intended to supply a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with hydrogen, characterized in that this generator is a pyrotechnic generator comprising a solid composition according to claim 1.
11. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell using hydrogen as fuel, comprising at least one electrochemical cell and a hydrogen generator connected to the anode compartment of the electrochemical cell, characterized in that this hydrogen generator is a pyrotechnic generator according to claim 10.
US10/117,915 2001-04-10 2002-04-08 Solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt Abandoned US20030051785A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0104839A FR2823203B1 (en) 2001-04-10 2001-04-10 SOLID COMBUSTION HYDROGEN GENERATING COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING AN ALKALINE BOROHYDRIDE AND AN AMMONIUM SALT
FRFR0104839 2001-04-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030051785A1 true US20030051785A1 (en) 2003-03-20

Family

ID=8862140

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/117,915 Abandoned US20030051785A1 (en) 2001-04-10 2002-04-08 Solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20030051785A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1249427B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002338202A (en)
AT (1) ATE394346T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60226372D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2823203B1 (en)

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030207158A1 (en) * 2001-10-29 2003-11-06 Bullock Michael L. Systems including replaceable fuel cell apparatus and methods of using replaceable fuel cell apparatus
US20030228252A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2003-12-11 Shurtleff James Kevin Apparatus, system, and method for generating hydrogen
US20040229090A1 (en) * 2003-05-15 2004-11-18 Davis Stuart M. Electrochemical cells
US20050079128A1 (en) * 2003-10-09 2005-04-14 Devos John A. Fuel storage devices and apparatus including the same
US20050084722A1 (en) * 2001-10-29 2005-04-21 Bullock Michael L. Replaceable fuel cell apparatus having information storage device
US20050142404A1 (en) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-30 Boucher Craig J. Gas generation arrangement and method for generating gas and a power source utilizing generated gas
US20050244683A1 (en) * 2004-04-28 2005-11-03 Otis David R Jr Fuel cartridges and apparatus including the same
US20070189940A1 (en) * 2003-06-11 2007-08-16 Shurtleff James K Apparatus, system, and method for promoting a substantially complete reaction of an anhydrous hydride reactant
US20080026269A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for generating electricity from a chemical hydride
US20080025880A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for generating hydrogen from a chemical hydride
US20080035252A1 (en) * 2006-02-27 2008-02-14 Mallery Carl F Solid hydrogen fuel elements and methods of making the same
US20090025293A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-01-29 John Patton Apparatus, system, and method for processing hydrogen gas
US20090053134A1 (en) * 2003-06-11 2009-02-26 Trulite, Inc. Process, composition of matter, and apparatus for generating hydrogen from a chemical hydride
US20090057609A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-03-05 Snpe Materiaux Energetiques Solid hydrogen source compounds and method for generating hydrogen
US20090078345A1 (en) * 2007-09-25 2009-03-26 Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company Heat generating structures
US20090304558A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2009-12-10 John Madison Patton Apparatus, system, and method for generating a gas from solid reactant pouches
US7731491B2 (en) 2002-10-16 2010-06-08 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Fuel storage devices and apparatus including the same
US8364287B2 (en) 2007-07-25 2013-01-29 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method to manage the generation and use of hybrid electric power

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0021386D0 (en) * 2000-09-01 2000-10-18 Secr Defence Hydrogen source
FR2857358B1 (en) 2003-07-10 2005-10-14 Snpe Materiaux Energetiques COMBUSTION HYDROGEN GENERATING SOLID COMPOSITION COMPRISING A MAGNESIUM BOROHYDRIDE AND AN OXIDANT OF THE DINITRAMINE FAMILY
JP3812581B2 (en) 2003-12-26 2006-08-23 株式会社ジーエス・ユアサコーポレーション Hydrogen production method and hydrogen production apparatus used in the method
JP4500576B2 (en) * 2004-04-01 2010-07-14 ダイセル化学工業株式会社 Gas generant composition
JP4835824B2 (en) * 2005-06-28 2011-12-14 株式会社豊田中央研究所 Hydride composite, hydrogen storage material, and production method thereof
FR2954411B1 (en) 2009-12-21 2012-11-02 Snpe Materiaux Energetiques PROPULSION METHOD AND DEVICE
FR2999167B1 (en) 2012-12-12 2014-12-26 Herakles PYROTECHNIC PROCESS FOR PROVIDING VERY HIGH PURITY HYDROGEN AND ASSOCIATED DEVICE
FR2999168B1 (en) 2012-12-12 2014-12-26 Herakles PYROTECHNIC PROCESS FOR PROVIDING VERY HIGH PURITY HYDROGEN AND ASSOCIATED DEVICE
FR3003092B1 (en) 2013-03-05 2015-04-03 Herakles METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SUPPLYING A FUEL CELL
FR3027459B1 (en) 2014-10-21 2019-06-21 Snecma PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ELECTRICITY BY A FUEL CELL; ASSOCIATED DEVICE

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3126305A (en) * 1964-03-24 Ignition compositions comprising boron containing salts
US3066009A (en) * 1959-01-15 1962-11-27 Olin Mathieson Preparation of decaboranyl sodium
US3977990A (en) * 1974-10-30 1976-08-31 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Controlled generation of cool hydrogen from solid mixtures
US4468263A (en) * 1982-12-20 1984-08-28 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Solid propellant hydrogen generator
US5565646A (en) * 1992-07-02 1996-10-15 Martin Marietta Corporation High velocity gun propellant

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7632584B2 (en) 2001-10-29 2009-12-15 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Systems including replaceable fuel cell apparatus and methods of using replaceable fuel cell apparatus
US20030207158A1 (en) * 2001-10-29 2003-11-06 Bullock Michael L. Systems including replaceable fuel cell apparatus and methods of using replaceable fuel cell apparatus
US20050084722A1 (en) * 2001-10-29 2005-04-21 Bullock Michael L. Replaceable fuel cell apparatus having information storage device
US7306863B2 (en) 2001-10-29 2007-12-11 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Replaceable fuel cell apparatus having information storage device
US20030228252A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2003-12-11 Shurtleff James Kevin Apparatus, system, and method for generating hydrogen
US7731491B2 (en) 2002-10-16 2010-06-08 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Fuel storage devices and apparatus including the same
US20070092769A1 (en) * 2003-05-15 2007-04-26 The Gillette Company, A Delaware Corporation Electrochemical cells
US7169497B2 (en) 2003-05-15 2007-01-30 The Gillette Company Electrochemical cells
US20040229090A1 (en) * 2003-05-15 2004-11-18 Davis Stuart M. Electrochemical cells
US20070189940A1 (en) * 2003-06-11 2007-08-16 Shurtleff James K Apparatus, system, and method for promoting a substantially complete reaction of an anhydrous hydride reactant
US8357213B2 (en) 2003-06-11 2013-01-22 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for promoting a substantially complete reaction of an anhydrous hydride reactant
US20090053134A1 (en) * 2003-06-11 2009-02-26 Trulite, Inc. Process, composition of matter, and apparatus for generating hydrogen from a chemical hydride
US20050079128A1 (en) * 2003-10-09 2005-04-14 Devos John A. Fuel storage devices and apparatus including the same
US7489859B2 (en) 2003-10-09 2009-02-10 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Fuel storage devices and apparatus including the same
US20050142404A1 (en) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-30 Boucher Craig J. Gas generation arrangement and method for generating gas and a power source utilizing generated gas
US20050244683A1 (en) * 2004-04-28 2005-11-03 Otis David R Jr Fuel cartridges and apparatus including the same
US8084150B2 (en) 2004-04-28 2011-12-27 Eveready Battery Company, Inc. Fuel cartridges and apparatus including the same
US20080035252A1 (en) * 2006-02-27 2008-02-14 Mallery Carl F Solid hydrogen fuel elements and methods of making the same
US7648786B2 (en) 2006-07-27 2010-01-19 Trulite, Inc System for generating electricity from a chemical hydride
US7651542B2 (en) 2006-07-27 2010-01-26 Thulite, Inc System for generating hydrogen from a chemical hydride
US20080025880A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for generating hydrogen from a chemical hydride
US20080026269A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for generating electricity from a chemical hydride
US20090304558A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2009-12-10 John Madison Patton Apparatus, system, and method for generating a gas from solid reactant pouches
US8357214B2 (en) 2007-04-26 2013-01-22 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for generating a gas from solid reactant pouches
US20090057609A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-03-05 Snpe Materiaux Energetiques Solid hydrogen source compounds and method for generating hydrogen
US7964111B2 (en) * 2007-07-13 2011-06-21 Snpe Materiaux Energetiques Solid hydrogen source compounds and method for generating hydrogen
US20090025293A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-01-29 John Patton Apparatus, system, and method for processing hydrogen gas
US8364287B2 (en) 2007-07-25 2013-01-29 Trulite, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method to manage the generation and use of hybrid electric power
US20090078345A1 (en) * 2007-09-25 2009-03-26 Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company Heat generating structures

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2823203A1 (en) 2002-10-11
FR2823203B1 (en) 2004-04-09
JP2002338202A (en) 2002-11-27
DE60226372D1 (en) 2008-06-19
ATE394346T1 (en) 2008-05-15
EP1249427B1 (en) 2008-05-07
EP1249427A1 (en) 2002-10-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20030051785A1 (en) Solid compositions generating hydrogen by combustion, comprising an alkali metal borohydride and an ammonium salt
US7094487B2 (en) Solid composition, hydrogen generating method, and proton exchange membrane fuel cell
JP4361773B2 (en) Solid composition, hydrogen generation method, and proton exchange membrane fuel cell
US8562768B2 (en) Solid compounds, self-sustaining combustion hydrogen generators containing borazane and/or polyaminoborane and at least one inorganic oxidant, and method for generating hydrogen
US2928891A (en) Double skeleton catalyst electrode
CN1177383C (en) Method for prepn. of cathode active material, and method for prepn. of non-aqueous electrolyte
US7964111B2 (en) Solid hydrogen source compounds and method for generating hydrogen
DE2806984A1 (en) METHOD FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN AND AN ELECTROLYSIS CELL FOR CARRYING OUT THIS METHOD
US9228267B1 (en) Use of fluidized-bed electrode reactors for alane production
US9327974B1 (en) Aluminum hydride production
US8420267B2 (en) Methods and systems for producing hydrogen and system for producing power
JP2005029468A (en) Solid composition
CN110071325A (en) A kind of preparation method of multiphase composition metal-boron-hydrogen compound solid electrolyte material
KR20120091848A (en) A magnesium hydride powder and manufacturing process of magnesium hydride powder by heat treatment under the pressure in hydrogen atmosphere of ball milled magnesium powder
CN109553133A (en) It is a kind of to prepare lithium battery anode material lithium barium oxide LiV3O8Method
CN109037672A (en) A kind of preparation method of power battery nickel-cobalt lithium manganate material
FR2834710A1 (en) Solid composition useful for generating hydrogen in fuel cells comprises a borane complex and an ammonium salt
CN112174089B (en) Organic liquid hydrogen supply system for closed environment
CN112921363B (en) Preparation method of yttrium-nickel hydrogen storage alloy
CN116536701A (en) Shell structure solid-phase catalytic electrode, preparation method thereof and application of electrosynthesis sodium borohydride
CN116426803A (en) Magnesium-based alloy for cyclic hydrogen storage and release and preparation method thereof
US3280015A (en) Manufacturing process for hydrazine and hydrazine derivatives
KR20170060420A (en) Hydrogen storagy material and manufacturing method of the same
IL33806A (en) Method of preparing an anode composition for a solid state electrolyte power cell
JPS6149375A (en) Manufacture of hydrogen absorbing electrode

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SNPE, FRANCE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GAUTHIER, CORINNE;PERUT, CHRISTIAN;ROLLER, DENIS;REEL/FRAME:012780/0635

Effective date: 20020321

AS Assignment

Owner name: SNPE MATERIAUX ENERGETIQUES, FRANCE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SNPE;REEL/FRAME:014455/0638

Effective date: 20030828

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION