Dynax Corporation

Muroran Institute of Technology

Masao Watanabe

Ryuichi Saito

Ximeng Jiang

Yoko Watanabe

By activating aluminum fine particles obtained by milling aluminum alloy in water, reactivity of the aluminum fine Particles at low temperature is improved. The activation comprises a thermal shock treatment wherein the aluminum fine particles are repeatedly heated and cooled down rapidly, and subsequently these activated aluminum fine particles are stored in a refrigerator. By reaction between the activated aluminum fine particles and water molecules, a large amount of hydrogen gas can be generated at room temperature, therefore hydrogen gas or fuel for a portable-type fuel cells can be produced in large quantities at room temperature in a short period of time.

Method for generating hydrogen gas utilizing activated aluminum fine particles

The object is to provide a method for drying and storing activated aluminum fine particles which can be a hydrogen source for fuel cells for a long term without being deactivated. A thermal shock treatment as an activation of the aluminum fine particles, which repeats rapid heating and cooling, is performed to aluminum fine particles obtained by milling aluminum alloy; moisture contained in the activated aluminum fine particles is filtrated; said aluminum fine particles are pre-frozen; and the aluminum fine particles are freeze-dried and then stored in nitrogen atmosphere or vacuum-packed.

Method for drying and storing activated aluminum fine particles

There is provided a method of producing hydrogen gas serving as fuel for a portable fuel cell, whereby hydrogen gas can be provided easily, safely, and at a low cost. To that end, the method of producing hydrogen gas comprises the steps of causing friction and mechanical fracture accompanying the friction to occur to a metallic material under water and increasing thereby chemical reactivity of atoms of the metallic material, in close proximity of the surface thereof; wherein water molecules are decomposed by accelerating corrosion reaction of water with the metallic material. Further, for the metallic material, an aluminum or aluminum alloy material is used as industrial waste including refuse and cutting chips (curls) of an industrial aluminum material. Meanwhile, pure water not substantially containing ionic impurities and organic molecules is used for the water.

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Shiraoi, Japan

Masao Watanabe