NO792522L - MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES FOR DISSociating Water - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a material and a method

for the decomposition/dissociation (splitting) of water to form hydrogen. The water is made to react with an amalgam of sodium, aluminum and mercury, whereby hydrogen and a metal hydroxide, which is believed to be NajAl(ØH)g, are formed.

More specifically, the invention concerns the splitting of

water into hydrogen and oxygen.

As mentioned, the water reacts with an amalgam of sodium, aluminum and mercury, and hydrogen is formed, and a metallic hydroxide with the formula Na3Al(OH)g. At the forming temperature, the Na3Al(OH)g hydroxide is unstable in the presence of a catalyst, which comprises platinum and at least one of the elements germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium, cadmium, bismuth, lead, zinc and tin, and breaks down to form of metallic sodium and aluminium, whereby oxygen and hydrogen are liberated.

It is known that alkali metals react with water to form hydrogen and stable alkali metal hydroxide. The preceding reaction takes place rapidly, the heat developed intense, and the hydrogen formed is usually ignited with explosive force. The result is an unsatisfactory and dangerous process for producing hydrogen. Moreover, the alkali metal hydroxide that is formed is very stable, and regeneration to recover the alkali metal is not feasible in practice from an economic point of view.

Up to now, there has not been a simple and easily practicable procedure for producing hydrogen without self-ignition of evolved hydrogen using an alkali metal.

As previously mentioned, it is known that the alkali metals react with water to form hydrogen and stable alkali metal hydroxide. The preceding reaction is rapid, the development of heat is intense, and hydrogen explosions usually occur. This results in the procedure for hydrogen production being unsatisfactory and the implementation risky.

It is also known that alkali metal peroxides can be used for the production of oxygen (see U.S. Patent No. 3,574,561).

Thermochemical processes that utilize metal-metalloid compounds for the production of both hydrogen and oxygen are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,969,495.

Circular processes for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,821,358, 3,928,549 and 4,011,305. Combinations of different metals in multi-stage processes for the dissociation of water are thus well known, but a simple and easy method for the production of hydrogen and oxygen using an amalgam of alkali metal, aluminum and mercury, combined with a catalytic alloy, which comprises platinum and at least one of the elements germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium, cadmium, bismuth, lead, zinc and tin.

A material which has proved suitable for the production of hydrogen from water without self-ignition of the hydrogen which is developed comprises in its general form an amalgam of (1) an alkali metal, e.g. lithium, sodium, potassium, cesium or compounds thereof, (2) aluminum and (3) mercury.

The sodium and aluminum have a grain size that promotes the formation of an amalgam. The amalgam is produced from sodium with approx. 6 mm diameter and aluminum with a grain size in the range of 10-100 mesh. However, the grain size is not a critical factor either when it comes to the alkali metal or the aluminium, since the aforementioned metals easily mix with mercury. The smaller the grain size, the faster the mixing of course happens.'

The atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and mercury can vary from approx. 1:100 to approx. 100:1, and the corresponding ratio between alkali metal and aluminum can also lie between approx. 1:100 and approx. 100:1. Preferably, the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and mercury is at a value of from approx. 3:1 to approx. 1:1.5, and for alkali metal/aluminium between approx. 1:1 and approx. 3:1.

Although the following explanation should not be considered binding, it is assumed that the water reacts with the alkali metal, e.g. sodium, and the aluminum under liberation of hydrogen and formation of NajAlCOH)^. The reaction between water and amalgam is significantly different from the reaction between the amalgam's alkali metal component and water. The heat produced by the reaction of equivalent amounts of alkali metal in the form of amalgam is significantly less than when only alkali metal reacts with water. Consequently, self-ignition of the hydrogen in an oxidizing atmosphere as well as the formation of a very stable sodium product is avoided when the amalgam according to the invention is used instead of exclusively alkali metal.

The process can be illustrated as follows:

The amalgam of sodium, aluminum and mercury can be produced using any known amalgamation process, with the important measure of creating an inert atmosphere during the amalgamation, which can be promoted by using an elevated temperature, preferably of the order of 200 °C - ^ 10 oC. The amalgam is preferably kept at this elevated temperature for approx. 10 minutes during treatment of 100 grams of material, as the treatment time is extended by approx. 1 minute for each additional 100 g aliquot.

The resulting amalgam is cooled, usually to room temperatures, in an inert atmosphere. Both helium and nitrogen are satisfactory for the purpose. The cooling is preferably carried out in a drying device (desiccator) to ensure that the amalgam does not come into contact with water.

During cooling, the amalgam solidifies and can be brought into contact with water by immersion, by spraying water, by being exposed to water vapor or in another way. When the amalgam is brought into contact with the water at a temperature above 0°G, hydrogen is evolved.

Examples of amalgams, which are suitable for the purpose, are indicated in the following:

37.7% aluminum by weight, 32.1% sodium by weight

and 30.2 weight percent mercury.

22.9 weight percent aluminum^18.4 weight percent sodium

and mercury 58.7 percent by weight.

19.4 weight percent aluminum, 31.1 weight percent sodium and 49.5 weight percent mercury.

Material I has proven suitable for the production of hydrogen and oxygen from water without self-ignition of the developed hydrogen and oxygen gases, and it comprises an amalgam of (1)

an alkali metal, e.g. lithium, sodium, potassium, cesium or compounds thereof, (2) aluminum and (3) mercury, combined with a catalytic alloy comprising platinum and at least one of the elements germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium, cadmium, bismuth, lead, zinc and tin.

The sodium and aluminum have a grain size that enables the formation of an amalgam, and it can be of the order of approx. 10-100 mesh. The aluminum preferably has a grain size of approx. 10 mesh. Alkali metal with approx. 6 mm thickness is suitable. Neither for the alkali metal nor for the aluminum is the grain size a critical factor, since the aforementioned metals easily mix with mercury. Of course, the smaller the grain size, the faster the mixing takes place.

The atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and mercury is from approx. 1:100 to approx. 100:1, while the corresponding ratio between alkali metal and aluminum is from approx. 1:100 to approx. 100:1. Preferably, the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and mercury is in the range 3:1 - 1:1.5 and the corresponding ratio between alkali metal and aluminum is in the range 1:1-3:1.

The amalgam or alkali metal, aluminum and mercury are combined with a catalytically active alloy which is present in a catalytically effective amount and which during hydrogen evolution functions to regenerate the amalgam to an active metallic state.

It is important that the catalyst/alloy contains a metal from the platinum group, especially platinum. The catalyst/alloy mostly consists of platinum and at least one of the elements germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium, cadmium, bismuth, lead, zinc and tin.

The catalyst preferably comprises platinum and at least one of the elements germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium and cadmium.

Catalytic activity is promoted by the addition of small amounts of zirconium and chromium.

Lead and/or gold can be added to the catalyst as a; alloying element to lower the alloy's melting point.

The alloy and amalgam can be combined in a weight ratio of from approx. 1:1 to approx. 1:5, preferably from approx. 1:2 to approx. 1:3.

When the alloy and amalgam are joined, they can be mixed together with a thickening agent (filler), which serves both to dilute the combination of amalgam and catalytic alloy and to form mass for heat developed during the dissociation of water on contact with the combination of amalgam and catalytic alloy* The melting agent or filler is preferably copper, but mixtures of tin and bismuth or allium can also act as filler. The combination of amalgam and alloy or amalgam, alloy and filler is suitably used in solid block form, hereinafter referred to as reactor block. When filler is used, it can be present as a main component of said reactor block.

If one does not wish to be bound by the following explanation, it is assumed that the water reacts with the alkali metal, e.g. sodium, and the aluminum during the release of hydrogen and formation of Na3Al(OH)6. Na3Al(OH)6 is unstable, and in the presence of the alloy under the conditions for Na3Al(OH)g formation, the aforementioned compound decomposes to form H2, O2 and regenerated amalgam. The alloy apparently acts to catalyze the decomposition and, thereby, prolongs the useful life of the amalgam. The process can be illustrated as follows:

It is preferred to include chromium as an additional component to the alloy. The inclusion of chromium as an alloy component appears to reduce the heat developed by the reaction* Chromium is usually present in the alloy in an amount which, measured on a weight percentage basis, is #ra approx* 0.7% to approx. 1.11* preferably from approx. 0.8% to approx. 0.9% of the alloy*

Each of the alloy's components can be present in amounts of from approx. 0.4 percent by weight to approx. 28.5% by weight based on the weight of the compound of catalytic alloy and amalgam.

The preferred alloy comprises (1) platinum in an amount of from about 0.7 to approx. 1.1 percent by weight, (2) lead in an amount between approx. 42.9 and 71.5 percent by weight* (3) antimony in an amount of from 25.5 to 42.5 percent by weight, (4) chromium in an amount between approx.

0.7 and about < 1.1 percent by weight, (5) zirconium in an amount from about 4.1 to approx. 6.8 percent by weight, and gold in an amount between approx. 1.1 and 1.9 percent by weight.

A specified example of said preferred alloy comprises approx. 0.3 wt% platinum, approx. 19.0 weight-% lead, approx. 11.3 wt% antimony, approx. 0.3 wt% chromium, approx. 1.8 wt% zirconium

and approx. 0.5 wt% gold.

The amalgam of sodium, aluminum and mercury is produced in accordance with any known method, in addition measures are taken to create an inert atmosphere at the amalgamation, which is facilitated by using an elevated temperature, preferably around 200°C - 10°C . The amalgam is preferably kept at this elevated temperature for approx. 10 minutes when processing 100 grams of material, and the time is extended by approx. 1 minute for each additional 100 g aliquot.

The resulting amalgam is cooled, usually to room temperature, using an inert atmosphere. Helium or nitrogen are well suited for the purpose. The cooling is preferably carried out in a drying apparatus to exclude contact with water at this stage.

As with the preparation of the amalgam and all the other operational steps in the process for the preparation of the various compounds in accordance with the invention, care must be taken during the preparation to avoid the presence of oxygen, because it has been shown that oxygen causes poisoning of the pro- the performance.

The preparation of the selected alloy can be done in any suitable known manner, taking only the necessary additional measures to maintain an inert atmosphere.

After solidification, i.e. in practice after cooling, the alloy is ground into powder, preferably a fine powder of approx.

10 mesh or less. The cooling can be carried out in a drying apparatus to ensure the absence of oxygen and moisture, the presence of which is harmful during preparation. Grinding/pulverization can be carried out in any suitable, known way using a ball mill, hammer mill and/or crushing plant. ,

The aim during the connection of the alloy and the amalgam is to thoroughly mix the two components. The specific essence of catalysis is not known, but catalysis is, in general, a surface phenomenon, and in accordance with this, it seems that the catalysis in the invention is related to both particle size and nature as well as the uniformity of the blending - of amalgam and catalytic alloy .

The amalgam and the catalytic alloy can be used (1) in particulate form as a liquid layer, or other intimate dispersion, (2) in the form of a porous mass, which can be produced by compression or sintering, or (3) as a solid pulp by alloying the amalgam and the catalytic alloy. In the latter case, the amalgam and the catalytic alloy are joined to form a mixture and alloyed under inert conditions at a temperature above the melting point of the mixture.

In any form, a filler can be added, for example gallium, tin, bismuth or copper, preferably the latter. The filler acts to change the activity and also provides mass to retain at least part of the heat of reaction in the formation of the sodium aluminum hydroxide, whereby the catalysis of the unstable hydroxide to metal, oxygen and hydrogen is promoted.

The mixing of filler, amalgam and catalytic alloy is carried out using particulate filler with a grain size that corresponds to the grain size of the other components, i.e. of the order of 10-100 mesh.

Example I

Preparation of amalgam.

35.144 parts by weight of sodium, 13.749 parts by weight of aluminum and 51.107 parts by weight of mercury were formed into an amalgam in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen at an elevated temperature of 200°C in a graphite crucible.

The prepared amalgam was cooled to room temperature in a drying apparatus in an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The amalgam then solidified, but in its solid form could be liquefied by stirring.

It is important to note that the amalgam should be prepared in an atmosphere of inert gas to prevent premature formation of

see of hydroxide.

B use of amalgam..

1 The amalgam was placed in a suitable container with one surface exposed. Water was then sprayed onto the uncovered surface of the amalgam, or alternatively the exposed amalgam surface was completely covered with water. It was necessary to place the amalgam inside a container, because during the time it was in contact with the water, the amalgam was transferred to a liquid state under the influence of the heat that bee developed during the formation of hydrogen. Regardless of how it was brought into contact with the water, the amalgam showed no signs of wanting to cause any explosion. -

Example II Preparation of amalgam..

An amalgam composed of 35.144 parts by weight of sodium, 13.749 parts by weight of aluminum and 51.107 parts by weight of mercury was formed in a graphite crucible in a. inert atmosphere of nitrogen at an elevated temperature of 200°C*

The produced amalgam was cooled to room temperature in a drying apparatus in an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The amalgam was then converted into a fine powder, approx. 10 mesh, using ehkulé møile. The painting was carried out in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

It is important to prepare the amalgam in an inert gas atmosphere to prevent the formation of hydroxide.

Preparation of catalytic alloy.

19.0 parts by weight of lead, 11.3 parts by weight of antimony, 0^3 parts by weight of platinum, 0.5 parts by weight of gold, 1.8 parts by weight of zirconium and 0.3 parts by weight of chromium were introduced into a graphite crucible, which was then placed in a furnace and heated to the melting point in an inert atmosphere of helium to form an alloy of said metals.

The resulting alloy was cooled in a desiccator or drying apparatus to approximately room temperature in one inert helium atmosphere. The alloy was then ground to a fine powder, approx. 10 mesh or less in a ball mill. The painting was carried out in an inert atmosphere of helium.

The inert atmosphere was used to prevent oxidation of the alloy.

Preparation of incoming mixture

of amalgam and catalytic alloy.

Three parts by weight of powdered amalgam were mixed with one part by weight of powdered alloy in an inert atmosphere to obtain

a uniform mixture of the amalgam and the catalytic alloy.

The mixture can be used by passing steam upwards through it, whereby the steam is split into hydrogen and oxygen. Production of reactor block

comprehensive amalgam and catalytic alloy.

Three parts by weight of powdered amalgam were mixed with one part by weight of powdered alloy. The weighing and mixing took place in an inert atmosphere. After being mixed into a uniform mass, the mixture was compacted into a massive mass by subjecting it to a pressure of approx. 2,800 kg/cm in a graphite mold, which was designed in accordance with the desired shape of the finished product. The mold used in this case produced a cubic block.

The manufactured block was heated to an elevated temperature of approx. 10°C above the mass's melting point and held at this temperature for approx. 10 - 1 minutes. An inert atmosphere was maintained in the oven used for heating. Then the mass, which consisted of amalgam and alloy, was transferred to a drying apparatus, in which an inert atmosphere was maintained, after which the mass was allowed to cool. After cooling, the manufactured block was ready for use.

The entire preceding process should be carried out in an inert atmosphere of e.g. helium or nitrogen and in the absence of contaminants. Oxidation of the metallic components and/or formation of hydroxide will namely "poison" the produced reactor block and reduce its activity. Moreover, the presence of oxygen during the operational steps that take place at elevated temperature will cause ignition of the mass.

Production of a comprehensive reactor block

amalgam, catalytic alloy and filler.

Amalgam and alloy, both of which had been treated as described above, and a filler of powdered copper, approx. 10 mesh, was mixed in the following proportions:

21.775 parts by weight of amalgam

5.625 parts by weight alloy

72.6 parts by weight copper (filler).

The weighing and mixing of the preceding metallic compounds should be carried out in an inert atmosphere.

After mixing to a uniform mass, the mixture was compressed into a massive, solid mass by subjecting it to a pressure of approx. 2,800 kg/cm in a graphite mould, which was designed in accordance with the desired shape of the finished product. The compressed mass was placed in a crucible of similar shape and heated to an elevated temperature of approx. 10°C above the mass's melting point. This temperature was maintained for approx. 10 - 1 min.

An inert atmosphere was maintained in the oven, which was used for heating. The crucible and contents were then transferred to a desiccator* in which an inert atmosphere was maintained. After cooling, the produced block was ready for use.

The entire preceding process should be carried out in an inert atmosphere of e.g. helium or nitrogen and in the absence of contaminants. Oxidation of the metal components and/or formation of hydroxide will "poison" the resulting reactor block and reduce its activity. Moreover, the presence of oxygen during the process steps carried out at elevated temperature will cause the mass to ignite.

The reactor blocks were then brought into contact with a

nice shower of water at about room temperature in atmospheric surroundings. The gas, which was developed as a result of this contact, contained hydrogen and oxygen and burned when exposed to electric sparks. The volume of evolved gas was found to be dependent on the reactor block surface area and the volume of water impinging on the block rafts. A surface of 2.5 cm 2 will usually react with approx. 0.53 liters of water per minute.

Example III

Preparation of amalgam.

An amalgam consisting of 37.688 parts by weight of aluminium, 32.112 parts by weight of sodium and 30.2 parts by weight of mercury was prepared in a graphite crucible in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen at an elevated temperature of 200°C.

The amalgam was then cooled to room temperature in a desiccator in an inert nitrogen atmosphere and afterwards ground to a fine powder, approx. 10 mesh, in a ball mill. The painting was carried out in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

It is important that the preparation of the amalgam takes place in one

Inert gas atmosphere to prevent the formation of hydroxide. Production of catalytic ifsk alloy. -,, T r. r~ ,..-^..».,„

60.7 parts by weight^lead^. 0.8 parts by weight of platinum and 38.5 parts by weight of germanium were placed in an engraphite crucible, which then,. was placed in a furnace and heated to melting Å. en4neÆt.vatmøs«w~-.. f ere of helium to form an alloy of said "metals.,

The resulting alloy is cooled in a dry chamber to about room temperature in an inert helium atmosphere, ... Then the alloy is ground into a fine powder, approx. . ,10 mesh»«. or less, in a moth-le.- <WW«K.J

An inert atmosphere was used to prevent oxidation of the alloy. ^^ , ,.

Preparation of an intimate .mixture , ,;.

of amalgam and catalytic , l»egøri.~ ng..^ :

Three parts by weight^pulverized tra^algam^^^ ... parts by weight of powdered alloy in an inert .atmosphere to achieve .a uniform mixture of the amalgam and the .catalytic .alloy*,*

The mixture was used by passing steam upwards through it, whereby the steam split into hydrogen and oxygen. Preparation of reactor block

extensive amalgam and catalytic rA - e - gex«teigr .^,.^,- <~,^~ » «■.,.

Three parts by weight of powdered amalgam were mixed with one part by weight of powdered alloy. The weighing and mixing was carried out in an inert atmosphere. *r)^„„

After mixing to a uniform mass, the obtained mass was compressed into a massive, solid mass by subjecting it to a pressure of approx. 2,800 kg/ cm. skill. The form that was used,^£r.ambxagte, a ^cubic block,^^-*

The obtained block was heated to an elevated temperature of about 10°C above the melting point of the mass. «IO..-- 1 min. , the oven, which was used ,£x>r .opp.vamingen^ «, inert atmosphere. Then, the mass, wWhich consisted „of amalgam »and*. le-w gering, transferred to a desiccator, -in which an inert atmosphere was maintained, after which the mass had no occasion to boil. After cooling, the block was ready to be used. ,~~--*-~«

The whole front. described^pr-oses&J)i&c^£oTegå...i4en..inext.',v7^ atmosphere of f, ex. helium or nitrogen .and..in the absence of contaminants-^ „, nings. Oxidation of the metal components or the development of hydroxide will "poison" the obtained reactor block and reduce its activity. During the process steps where work is carried out at an elevated temperature, the presence of oxygen will also cause that the mass ignites.,-.

Production of reactor block - : - ...... ,......................

comprehensive amalgam, catalytic alloy and. depressant. :..,■*

The amalgam and .alloy Ule-prepared-as-described before, and a thickening agent or-filler, which consisted of powdered copper, approx. 10 mesh grain size, was added and mixed together with the other components. - The quantity ratios are as follows:

21,775 parts by weight amalgam-, ■.,.- — - ,.,.,„,—.

5.625 parts by weight, alloy .... r

72.6 parts by weight copper... - ■ •.,. , The weighing and mixing-of-the-mentioned-metals-for-.

the bindings were carried out in an inert atmosphere. - ...,->,

After mixing to a uniform mass, the mixture was com^., >, primed to form a solid mass by subjecting it to a pressure of 2,800 kg/cm ~ 1 a graphite mold, which our designed counter-,- ,

corresponding to the desired shape of the finished product.- .

The compressed mass" in a crucible with a similar design was heated to an elevated temperature of approximately -10°C. above the mass's melting point, -and -this temperature, was maintained for ■ ■ >-,-,-. about. 10-1 min. In the oven, which was used to heat up the mass, an inert atmosphere was maintained. Then «became di-?.; the gel with contents transferred to a desiccator, which worked with an inert atmosphere. After cooling, the resulting block was ready to be used.

The entire process described above should be carried out in an inert. atmosphere of e.g. helium or.^nitrogen r,and, in the absence of ,pollution,-?; Oxidation of the metal components or the formation of hydroxide will "poison" the resulting reactor block and reduce its activity. In addition, the presence of oxygen will relieve the process steps where work is done at an elevated temperature, causing the mass to ignite, r rr.

The reactor block is brought into contact with the f in^dusj cav.,-,,«.v» water at around room temperature in atmospheric surroundings.. The gas ..... which is developed by the mutual contact between the -block-„and the „water, « —^ contains hydrogen and oxygen and burns when exposed to electric sparks. The volume ay. evolved gas is dependent "on the surface area of the reactor block and the volume of water impinging." - against the block fleets. A surface of 2.5 cm -will usually react with méd. about. 0.76 liters per minute.- , , -,..-„..

■ Example IV. - Preparation of amalgam.

One; amalgam, comprising 2,947 parts by weight of aluminium, > 18,391 parts by weight of sodium and 58,662 parts by weight of mercury, was prepared in a graphite crucible in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen at an elevated temperature of 200°C.

The amalgam was then cooled to room temperature in a ... desiccator in an inert nitrogena tmo sphere.* The amalgam .became .se-nexe »

converted into fine powder, approx. lp. mesh, -in a ball mill.. The grinding was carried out in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. ..

It is important to prepare*, the amalgam in ,an inert gas-r ~ • =..-atmosphere to avoid formation of hydroxide.. ,r Preparation of catalytic alloy. » ...

63.064 parts by weight of lead, 0.45 parts by weight of platinum, 36.036 parts by weight of antimony and 0.45 parts by weight of germanium were placed in a graphite crucible, which was then placed in a furnace and heated to melting in an inert atmosphere of helium fer To produce an alloy of said metals... , •

The resulting alloy was cooled in a drying apparatus r to about room temperature in an inert helium atmosphere, after which. the alloy was ground to a fine powder with a grain size of ., about 10 mesh or less -t a ball mill. The painting was carried out in , ., an inert atmosphere of helium. *„,,..,.,

An inert atmosphere was maintained to avoid oxidation of the alloy.. -

Preparation of an intimate mixture .-- „• -. - , • .

of amalgam and catalytic alloy. -.- ..... , . », .

Three parts by weight of ulverized amalgam were mixed with one-,»*, ■»-. part by weight powdered alloy in an inert^atmosphere to obtain a uniform mixture of the amalgam and. the catalytic alloy.»^

The mixture can be used by immersion in water, whereby the water dissociates into hydrogen and oxygen.v . - ..-..

Production of reactor block - , ..-:»■ --.■.•<•,■■■..-■ v.-- , - comprising amalgam and catalytic alloy.,. - .„.-..,,.-i,*.,.„..,<!.<„,.-.^,^,,,.tt,:,.>_

Three parts by weight of .pulverized amalgam were, mixed with one^^v^ part by weight, of powdered alloy, -Vei no-and; the mixture was carried out in an inert atmosphere.. After thorough mixing -to a uniform . species mass, the mixture was pressed, together to a solid consistency , - - «. by applying a pressure of approx. 2,800 kg/cm2 in a graphite mold, which was designed in accordance with the desired ■ <, £orm-on the finished,.,».^-product. The form used produced a cubic block. .. The block was heated to a . f o r h o y e t t emp e r a trip of approx. 10°C above the mass's melting point and maintained for approx. 10 ---l«w..... min. In the. the oven that was used for the heating, it was. maintained an inert atmosphere. Then, ^le-Tmassenv,which;,b.esto..--.. of amalgam pg alloy, pfve rf ert ril a desiccator, in which an inert atmosphere was maintained,, Massenrf then had an opportunity to cool. After cooling, the block was ready for use...

The entire process described above should be carried out in „ », ., ,

an inert atmosphere of e.g. helium or nitrogen and in the absence of impurities. Oxidation of the metal components and/or formation of hydroxide will "poison" the obtained reactor block and reduce its activity. In addition, the presence of oxygen during the process steps where an elevated temperature is used will cause the mass to ignite. -

Production of reactive block- :- oi^ eighteen-^..--;^r .>.-.w=,,.^amalgam, catalytic alloy and filler, v - -7 ..v,.,r

The amalgam and the alloy,^spm both were prepared -spnu, indicated before, and a powdered filler,; which consisted of 50% tin and 50% bismuth, grain size approx. 10 mesh,, are mixed, -with each other in the below- *proportions:, . , ; -.^,- . , , wow

21*775 parts by weight amalgam,*.- v *. v .^t-»-,^

5.625 parts by weight of the alloy v .

72.6 parts by weight filler, , Weighing and mixing operations of, the metallic compounds!^ should be carried out in an inert atmosphere, ,,»,,...-,,,..,...

After mixing, to a uniform mass, was the .obtained ,, , mixture compressed to form. a solid mass by subjecting it to a pressure of about, 2..-8Q0 .kg/cm in .a graphite mold, which .is out*; - v, shaped in accordance with the desired dendrorm on the finished product. ,

The compressed mass was then heated in a crucible to an elevated temperature of approx. 10°C above the mass's melting point, and this temperature was maintained for approx. 10-1 min.

An inert atmosphere was maintained in the oven used for heating. The crucible and contents were then transferred to a desiccator, in which an inert atmosphere was maintained. After cooling, the block was ready for use.

The entire preceding process should be carried out under an inert atmosphere of eg helium or nitrogen and in the absence of contaminants. Oxidation of the metallic components and/or formation of hydroxide will cause "poisoning"

of the resulting reactor block and reduce its activity. In addition, any oxygen, which is present during the steps in the process where work is carried out at an elevated temperature, will cause the mass to ignite.

The reactor blocks were brought. in contact with a fine shower of room temperature water in an atmospheric environment. The gas, which developed as a result of the contact between the reactor blocks and the water, contained hydrogen and oxygen, and it burned when exposed to electrical sparks. The volume of gas developed was dependent on the surface area of the reactor blocks and the volume of water that came into contact with the block floats. A surface of 2.5 cm will usually react with approx. 0.45 liters of water per minute.

Example V

Preparation of amalgam....

An amalgam, comprising 19.383 parts by weight of aluminum, 31*068 parts by weight of potassium, and 49.549 parts by weight of mercury, was prepared in a graphite crucible in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen at

an elevated temperature of 200°C..

The resulting amalgam was cooled to room temperature

in a desiccator in an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The amalgam was then converted to a fine powder in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

It is important to prepare the amalgam in an inert gas atmosphere to prevent the formation of hydroxide.

Preparation of catalytic-. alloy.

42.847 parts by weight of lead, 2.429 parts by weight of platinum, 42.847 parts by weight of antimony, 2.429 parts by weight of cadmium and 9.448 parts by weight of zirconium were placed in a graphite crucible, which was then placed in a furnace and heated to melting in an inert atmosphere of

helium, to form an alloy of said metals.

The resulting alloy was cooled in a desiccator to room temperature in an inert helium atmosphere. Then alloy-

one ground to a fine powder with a grain size of approx. 10 mesh or less 1 a ball mill. The painting was carried out in an inert atmosphere of helium*

An inert atmosphere was used to prevent oxidation of the alloy.

Preparation of uniform mixture

of amalgam and catalytic alloy.

Three parts by weight of powdered amalgam were mixed with one part by weight of powdered alloy in an inert atmosphere to a uniform mass of amalgam and catalytic alloy in mixture.

The mixture was utilized by spraying water on the mixture, whereby the water split into hydrogen and oxygen.

Production of reactor block which

includes amalgam and catalytic alloy.

Three parts by weight of powdered amalgam were mixed with one part by weight of powdered alloy* The weighing and mixing operations were carried out in an inert atmosphere.

After mixing the mass to form a uniform mixture, it was pressed together into a massive, solid mass using a pressure of approx. 2,800 kg/em 2 in a graphite mould, which was designed in accordance with the shape you wanted the finished product to have. The form used produced a cubic block.

The obtained block was heated to an elevated temperature of approx. 10°C above the mass's melting point, and this temperature was maintained for approx. 10-1 min. in the furnace used for the heating, an inert atmosphere was maintained. Then the mass, which contained amalgam and alloy, was transferred to a desiccator, which worked under an inert atmosphere, and the mass was allowed to cool. After cooling, the block was ready for use.

The entire above-mentioned process should be carried out in an inert atmosphere of, for example, helium or nitrogen and in the absence of contaminants* Oxidation of the metal components and/or formation of hydroxide will "poison" the reactor block and reduce its activity. In addition, the presence of any oxygen during the process steps where work is carried out at an elevated temperature will cause the mass to ignite.

Production of reactor block which includes

amalgam, catalytic alloy and filler.

Amalgamefcgog the alloy, which was prepared in accordance with the above, and a filler of powdered gallium, grain size approx. 10 mesh, was mixed in the following proportions:

21.775 parts by weight of amalgam

5.625 parts by weight alloy

72.6 parts by weight gallium

The weighing and mixing of the metallic compounds should be carried out in an inert atmosphere.

After mixing the components into a uniform mass, this was pressed together into a massive, solid mass by subjecting it to a pressure of approx. 2,800 kg/cm in a graphite mold, which was designed in accordance with the shape desired for the finished product.

The compressed mass was then heated in a crucible of similar shape to an elevated temperature that was approx. 10 G above the mass's melting point, and this temperature was maintained for approx. 10-1 min. In the oven used for the heating operation, an inert atmosphere was maintained. The crucible and contents were then transferred to a desiccator, in which an inert atmosphere was maintained. After cooling, the block was ready for use.

The entire process described above should be carried out under an inert atmosphere of, for example, helium or nitrogen and in the absence of contaminants. Oxidation of the metal components and/or formation of hydrogen will "poison" the reactor block and reduce its activity* Furthermore, any oxygen, which is present during the process steps where work is carried out at an elevated temperature, will cause self-ignition of the mass.

The reactor block was brought into contact with a fine shower of water at room temperature in atmospheric surroundings* The gas which developed as a result of the contact between the reactor block and the water, contained hydrogen and oxygen and burned when ignited by electric sparks. The gas volume that developed depended on the surface area of the reactor blocks and on the volume of water that came into contact with the block floats. A 2.5 cm block surface will usually do

react with approx. 0.53 liters per minute.

Example VI

Preparation ay amalgam.

An amalgam containing 37.688 parts by weight of aluminium, 32.112 parts by weight of cesium and 30.2 parts by weight of mercury was prepared in a graphite crucible in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen at a

11

elevated temperature of 200 C.

The resulting amalgam was cooled to room temperature in a desiccator in an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The amalgam was then ground to a fine powder, approx. 10 mesh, in a ball mill. The painting was carried out in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen.

It is important that the preparation of the amalgam takes place in

an inert gas atmosphere to prevent hydroxide formation. Preparation ay, catalytic alloy.

60.7 parts by weight of lead, 0.8 parts by weight of platinum and 38.5 parts by weight of germanium were introduced into a graphite crucible, which was then placed in a furnace and heated to melting in an inert atmosphere of helium to form an alloy of said metals. The resulting alloy was cooled in a desiccator to about room temperature in an inert helium atmosphere. The alloy was then converted into a fine powder, grain size approx. lo mesh or smaller, in a ball mill. The painting was carried out in an inert atmosphere of helium.

An inert atmosphere was used to prevent oxidation of the alloy.

Preparation of an ingredient mixture

of amalgam and catalytic alloy.

Three parts by weight of powdered amalgam were mixed with one part by weight of powdered alloy in an inert atmosphere to obtain

a uniform mixture of amalgam and catalytic alloy.

The mixture was used by passing water vapor up through the powder mass, whereby the vapor split into hydrogen and oxygen. Production of reactor block, which contains

amalgam and catalytic alloy.

Three parts by weight of powdered amalgam were mixed with one part by weight of powdered alloy. The weighing and mixing were carried out in an inert atmosphere.

After the mixing operation was carried out, the resulting mass was compressed to form a massive, solid mass by applying a pressure of about 2,800 kg/cm 2 in a graphite mold, which was designed according to the desired shape of the finished product*

The mold used produced a cubic block.

This block was heated to an elevated temperature of approx. 10°C above the mass's melting point, and this temperature was maintained for approx. 10 - 1 min. An inert atmosphere was maintained in the oven used for the heating. Then the mass, which contained amalgam and alloy, was transferred to a desiccator, in which an inert atmosphere was maintained, and the mass was allowed to cool. After cooling, the reactor block was ready for use.

The entire preceding process should be carried out in an inert atmosphere of eg helium or nitrogen and in the absence of contaminants. Oxidation of metal components and/or formation of hydroxide will "poison" the reactor block and reduce its activity. In addition, any oxygen, which is present during the phases of the process where work is carried out at an elevated temperature, will cause the mass to ignite.

Production of reactor block containing

amalgam, catalytic alloy and filler*

The amalgam and the alloy* both of which were prepared as described above, and a filler of powdered copper with a grain size of about 10 mesh were mixed in the following weight ratio:

21.775 parts by weight of amalgam

5.625 parts by weight alloy

72.6 parts by weight of copper.

The weighing and mixing of the above metal compounds should be carried out in an inert atmosphere.

After mixing to obtain a uniform mass, this was pressed together into a massive, solid material using a pressure of 2,800 kg/cm 2 in a graphite mold, which was designed in accordance with the desired shape for the finished product few.

The compressed mass was placed in a crucible of similar design and heated to an elevated temperature of approx. 10°C above the melting point of the mass, and this temperature was maintained for approx. 10 - 1 min. An inert atmosphere was maintained in the oven used to heat the mass. The crucible and contents were then transferred to a desiccator, in which an inert atmosphere was maintained. After cooling, the block was ready for use.

The entire preceding process should be carried out under one

inert atmosphere of e.g. helium or nitrogen and in the absence of contaminants. Oxidation of the metal components and/or formation of hydroxide will "poison" the reactor block and reduce its activity. In addition, any oxygen, which is present during the stages of the process where work is carried out at elevated temperature, will

cause the mass to ignite.

The reactor blocks were brought into contact with a fine jet

or shower of water in an atmospheric environment. The gas that was, out-

coiled as a result of this contact, contained hydrogen and oxygen and burned when exposed to electric sparks. The volume of gas that was developed depended on the reactor blocks' over-

surface area and of the volume of the water that hit and thus came into con-

in step with the block surfaces. Typically, a 2.5 cm 2 block surface will react with approx. 0.76 liters of water per minute.

Claims (37)

1. Material for the production of hydrogen from water, characterized In that it contains an amalgam of an alkali metal, mercury and aluminum. 2. Amalgam in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the atomic weight ratio between the alkali metal and the mercury is from approx. 1:100 to approx. 100:1, and that the atomic weight ratio between the alkali metal and aluminum is from approx. 1:100 to about. 100:1. 3. Amalgam in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and mercury silver makes up from approx. 3:1 to approx. 1:1.5, and that the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and aluminum amounts from approx. 1:1 and to approx. 3:1. 4. Amalgam in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the alkali metal is sodium. 5. Amalgam in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the alkali metal is sodium* 6. Method for producing hydrogen from water, characterized in that water is brought into contact with a amalgamfc of an alkali metal, mercury and aluminium. 7. Method in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the amalgam contains sodium, mercury and aluminium, and that the atomic weight ratio between sodium and mercury is from approx. 3:1 to approx. 1:1.5 and the corresponding ratio between sodium and aluminum from approx. 1:1 to approx. 3:1. 8. Process for preparing an amalgam of alkali metal, mercury and aluminium, characterized in that said alkali metal, mercury and aluminum are mixed in an inert atmosphere at an elevated temperature followed by cooling the mixture while maintaining said inert atmosphere, to form a solidified solid amalgam product* 9. Material for producing hydrogen and oxygen from water, characterized in that it contains an amalgam of an alkali metal, mercury and aluminium, the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and mercury being from approx. 3:1 to approx. 1:1.5, while the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and aluminum amounts from approx. 1:1 to approx. 3:1; in connection with an alloy of platinum and at least one of the elements germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium, cadmium, bismuth, lead, zinc and tin. 10. Material in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the alkali metal is sodium or potassium. 11* Material in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum and at least one of the elements germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium and cadmium, and where the alkali metal in the amalgam is sodium. 12. Material in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum and antimony. 13. Material in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum and germanium. 14. Material in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the alloy also contains zirconium, chromium or mixtures thereof. 15. Material in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the alloy also contains lead, gold or mixtures thereof. 16. Material in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that it also contains copper. 17. Material in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that the weight ratio between the alloy and the amalgam is from approx. 1:1 to approx. 1:5. 18. Material in accordance with claim 17, characterized in that the weight ratio between alloy and amalgam is from approx. 1:1 to approx. 1:3. 19. Material in accordance with claim 14, characterized in that the alloy contains from approx. 0.7 to approx. 1.1 wt% chromium. 20. Material in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that each of the metallic components of the alloy in the material is present in an amount of from approx. 0.4 to approx. 28.5% by weight based on the weight of the alloy and amalgam bond. 21.. Material in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum in an amount of from approx. 0.7 to approx. 1.1% by weight, lead in an amount of from approx. 42.9 to approx. 71.5% by weight, antimony in an amount of from approx. 25.5 to approx. 42.5% by weight, chromium in an amount of from approx. 0.7 to approx. 1.1% by weight, zirconium in an amount of from approx. 4.1 to approx. 6.8% by weight and bile in an amount of from approx* 1.1 to approx. 1.9% by weight. 22. Material in accordance with claim 21, characterized in that the alloy contains approx. 0.9 wt% platinum, approx. 57.3% by weight lead, approx. 34.0% antimony by weight, approx. 0.9 wt% chromium, approx. 5.4 wt% zirconium and approx. 1.5 wt% gold. 23. Process for the production of hydrogen and oxygen from water, characterized in that water is brought into contact with an amalgam of an alkali metal, mercury and aluminium, the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and mercury being from approx. 3:1 to approx. 1:1.5, while the atomic weight ratio between alkali metal and aluminum amounts from approx. 1:1 to approx. 3:1, in connection with an alloy containing platinum. 24. Method in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that the alkali metal is sodium, potassium or mixtures thereof. 25. Method in accordance with claim 24, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum and at least one of the metals germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium, cadmium, bismuth, lead, zinc and tin. 26. Procedure in accordance with claim 23, paragraph characterized in that the alloy contains platinum and at least one of the metals germanium, antimony, gallium, thallium, indium and cadmium, and that the alkali metal of the amalgam is sodium. 27. Method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum and antimony. 28. Method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum and germanium. 29. Method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the alloy also contains one of the metals zirconium, chromium or mixtures thereof. 30. Method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the alloy also contains one of the metals lead, gold or mixtures thereof. 31. Method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the material also contains copper. 32. Method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that the weight ratio between alloy and amalgam is from approx. 1:1 to approx. 1:5. 33. Method in accordance with claim 32, characterized in that the weight ratio between alloy and amalgam is from approx. 1:1 to approx. 1:3. 34. Method in accordance with claim 29, characterized in that the alloy contains from approx. 0.7 to approx. 1.1 wt% chromium. 35. Method in accordance with claim 26, characterized in that each of the metal components of the alloy in the material is present in an amount of from approx. 0.4 to approx. 28.5% by weight based on the weight of alloy and amalgam combined. 36. Method in accordance with claim 23, characterized in that the alloy contains platinum in an amount of from approx. 0.7 to approx. 1.1% by weight, lead in an amount of five from approx. 42.9 to approx. 71.5% by weight, antimony in an amount of from approx. 25.5 to approx. 42.5% by weight, chromium in an amount of from approx. 0.7 to approx. 1.1% by weight, zirconium in an amount of from approx* 4.1 to approx. 6.8% by weight, as well as from approx. 1.1 to approx. 1.9 wt% gold. 37. Method in accordance with claim 36, characterized in that the alloy contains approx. 0.9 wt% platinum, approx. 57.3 weight-% lead, approx. 34.0% antimony by weight, approx. 0.9 wt% chromium, approx. 5.4 wt% zirconium and approx. 1.5 wt% gold.