Silicon Fuel: A hydrogen storage material. (6th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alexandrou, Sotiris; Cook, Joseph P.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 1627
• Page End: 1633
• Publication Date: 2021-01-06
• Subjects: Hydrogen -- Silicon -- Water -- Fuel cells -- Energy storage; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.10.049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Considerable effort is focused on developing alternative approaches to generating and storing energy to reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen offers one such alternative, which is zero-emission at the point of use when used to supply a fuel cell to generate electricity. However, the availability of hydrogen by methods that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly remains a significant challenge. The formulation presented in this work, which we call Silicon Fuel, contains 90% silicon and can generate high hydrogen yields of 70% or more in just a few minutes. This means that the dry material effectively has a hydrogen content of at least 9 wt% and a realistic specific energy of at least 1.5 kWh/kg if the hydrogen supplies a fuel cell with 50% efficiency. As the hydrogen can be generated in a commercially useful time frame, it is suitable for applications such as automotive refuelling, where consumers expect to be able to refuel their vehicle within a few minutes. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Silicon and potassium hydroxide are ball milled together to produce a fine powder. The formulation, called 'Silicon Fuel', reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas. Yields of 70% or more are obtained within a few minutes without heating the mixture. Silicon Fuel has an effective hydrogen content of at least 9 wt%. Silicon Fuel has specific energy ≥ 1.5 kWh/kg with a 50% efficient fuel cell.