Sodium Silicide and the Development of the Portable Hydrogen Energy Market

Abstract

With Li-ion batteries nearing their power limits and small combustion engines responsible for a disproportionate amount of pollution in the U.S., new hydrogen-storage technologies are essential to spark the transition to hydrogen energy. Sodium silicide, a new chemical molecule, enables the real-time and on-demand generation of hydrogen. This novel hydrogen-storage material and its derivatives facilitate high-performance, low-complexity and lightweight fuel cell systems (<3 kW), which are ideal for a number of industries and consumer applications. Transitioning the portable power market to this clean energy technology will result in higher energy efficiencies, a clean source of renewable energy, and a significantly lower environmental impact. Such a transition, however, requires the development of a hydrogen manufacturing supply chain that supports the growth of this new energy technology. Designs for hydrogen-generation cartridges and a high-volume manufacturing line will be presented.