Self-regulated hydrogen generation with the use of nano-powders: application for portable fuel cells

Abstract

Self-regulated hydrogen production at room temperature and atmosphere pressure is described in details. Basic idea of our approach is based on a precise auto-tuning of the oxidizing aqueous solution arrival onto hydrogenated silicon or aluminum nano-powders. The used self-regulation principle is completely passive e.g. neither electrical power sources, no regulating electronics are required. The system functioning was simulated numerically and checked experimentally. The numerical simulation allowed definition of the main optimal parameters of the working system (pressure, capillary tube diameter, tank volumes) and an experimental prototype based on the simulated results was built and used for hydrogen supplying to a portable PaxiTech® fuel cell.