Process optimisation of controlled and continuous MgH2 hydrolysis to produce hydrogen

Abstract

Hydrogen (H2) is an excellent energy carrier with advantages of high energy density, high combustibility, zero pollutant emissions, etc. Magnesium hydride (MgH2) is considered a good candidate for hydrogen storage because of its high hydrogen storage capacity. In this work, a hydrolysis reactor with a filter element was employed, enabling the MgH2 hydrolysis kinetics to improve and occur in a controllable and continuous manner. Specifically, the hydrolysis kinetics can be improved by adjusting the flow rate of the hydrolysis solution and adding additives such as graphite, aluminum sulfate, solid citric acid, etc. Optimising the equipment structure can reduce the MgH2 loss during the hydrolysis process. On this basis, using an improved filter element can achieve controllable and continuous MgH2 hydrolysis, resulting in stable hydrogen production for 12 h at a flow rate of 200–300 mL/min. The results obtained in this study provide a reference for the use of MgH2 to achieve controllable continuous hydrogen production in the field of fuel cells.