Local Generation of Hydrogen - Isis Project No 4326

A new approach for local generation of hydrogen as a fuel for applications such as laptops and communication devices.  The method operates cleanly, at low temperatures, for long periods & at high yield.

Marketing Opportunity

There is a great deal of work ongoing on hydrogen storage materials (i.e. those that absorb hydrogen and release it on heating). The key difference of the Oxford approach is to utilise the earth’s vast resources of silica, with water as the hydrogen storage medium. The initial step involves the green conversion of silica (sand) to silicon nanopowder, which can then release hydrogen on demand, upon the addition of water.  Silica, which is regenerated as a by-product, can either be safely disposed or recycled.  This technology could be used as an emergency hydrogen source in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, as well as in lower power fuel cell applications such laptops or communication devices.

The Oxford Invention

Researchers at Oxford University have found a way to prepare silicon to make it suitable for sustained local generation of hydrogen.  The reaction of silicon with water to form silica and hydrogen gas is an alternative sustainable “green” route for the supply of hydrogen.  However silicon is largely unreactive towards water under normal conditions, as the rapid initial reaction stops abruptly upon formation of a passivating oxide layer. The Oxford invention overcomes this problem and demonstrates the feasibility of a silicon-enabled hydrogen fuel economy.

There is little question that reduction of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by energy generation and transport would be highly desirable.  The Hydrogen Economy is a proposed replacement for fossil fuels in which renewably produced hydrogen would be the primary energy carrier.  To achieve this paradigm shift, advancements must be made in the production and storage of hydrogen, as well as in release of the stored energy using fuel cells.  Indeed, safe storage of hydrogen is a key challenge, on which numerous researchers are working.

The Oxford technology offers a number of benefits:

• an innovative approach for local hydrogen supply
• low grade silicon can be used as a feedstock
• hydrogen generated at low temperatures (70-90°C)
• long duration (12 hours)
• high yield of hydrogen (36-58%)
• uses non-corrosive & easily disposed-of chemicals

Patent Status

The Oxford invention is the subject of a UK patent application. Isis would like to talk to companies interested in developing the commercial opportunity. Please contact the Isis Project Manager.

Request Further Information: Project Number 4326 - Local Generation of Hydrogen