Evaluation of a New Hydrogen Generating System: Ni-Rich Magnesium Alloy Catalyzed by Platinum Wire in Sodium Chloride Solution

Fuel cells are often seen as a long-term solution to environmental problems such as CO 2 emission associated with transportation. To ensure long-term sustainability and the supply of fuel, new renewable of hydrogen (H 2 ) generator have to be introduced. In this study, Ni-rich AZ91D magnesium alloy ingot, which was considered as waste material, was used as a H 2 generator in sodium chloride (NaCI) solution with catalyst. The chemical reaction Mg + H 2 O → H 2 + Mg(OH) 2 occurred in NaCl aqueous solution. The H 2 evolution rate depended on the solution's temperature (25 or 70°C), length of catalyst (0.9 or 1.8m) and the concentration of NaCI solution (5 or 10mass%). The H 2 evolution rate increased with increasing the solution's temperature. The catalyst (Pt wire) could significantly improve the H 2 generation rate. In addition, the by-product of this method is Mg(OH) 2 , a non-toxic chemical compound which is usually used as flame retardant.