Abstract: A method is disclosed for directly preparing an alkaline earth metal borohydride, i.e. Mg(BH4)2, from the alkaline earth metal boride MgB2 by hydrogenating the MgB2 at an elevated temperature and pressure. The boride may also be doped with small amounts of a metal chloride catalyst such as TiCl3 and/or NiCl2. The process provides for charging MgB2 with high pressure hydrogen above at least 70 MPa while simultaneously heating the material to about 350° C. to about 400° C. The method is relatively simple and inexpensive and provides a reversible hydride compound having a hydrogen capacity of at least 11 wt %.

Abstract: The fuel processor (10) comprises a desulphurization reactor (12), a catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14), a combustor (16) and a pre-reformer (18), means (20) to supply a hydrocarbon fuel to the desulphurization reactor (12), means (24) to supply air to the catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14) and means (24) to supply air to the combustor (16). The desulphurization reactor (12) is arranged to supply desulphurised hydrocarbon fuel to the catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14) in first, second and third modes of operation, to the combustor (16) in a first mode of operation to the pre-reformer (18) in a third mode of operation. The combustor (16) is arranged to supply oxygen depleted air and steam to the pre-reformer (18) in the first mode of operation. The catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14) is arranged to supply hydrogen to the desulphurization reactor (12) in all three modes of operation.

Abstract: A fuel processor having a CO removal unit including an apparatus for warming a CO shifter, is provided. A method of using the fuel processor is also provided. The fuel processor includes a reformer that extracts hydrogen gas from a raw fuel by reacting the raw fuel with water. A burner heats up the reformer to a temperature suitable for extracting the hydrogen gas. A CO shifter removes CO produced during the extraction reaction from the hydrogen gas, and a medium path line in which a heat exchange medium disposed therein absorbs heat from the reformer and passes the heat to the CO shifter. A fuel processor having the above structure can greatly reduce the time required to increases the temperature of the CO shifter to an appropriate operating temperature at an early stage of start up, since a rapid heating of the CO shifter is possible using the heat exchange of steam.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gasifier fines recycling system are provided. The system includes a gasifier slag removal system configured to separate first fines from a particulate slag removed from a gasifier by at least one of settling and filtering, a second fines handling system configured to receive second fines from a source other than the gasifier, and an injection system configured to mix the first fines and the second fines and a fuel for injection into the gasifier.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation device includes a container; a hydrogen generation unit configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas; a combustion unit configured to combust a part of the hydrogen-containing gas; a sensor unit including a thermal deformation member, configured to sense a concentration of a combustible gas in an exhaust gas by further combusting the exhaust gas and sensing a physical deformation of the thermal deformation member caused in a temperature change by the combustion of the exhaust gas; and a shutoff valve configured to shut off a discharge of the exhaust gas in conjunction with the physical deformation.

Abstract: An apparatus for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials including a vertically oriented cylindrical vessel having a solids outlet proximate the bottom thereof, a vapor outlet, a top wall forming at least one opening, and an adjacent heated side wall. Disposed within the cylindrical vessel and extending through the at least one opening in the top wall is a rotor having a rotatable shaft coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel to which is attached at least one substantially vertically oriented blade having one edge connected directly or indirectly with the rotatable shaft and having an opposite edge spaced apart from the heated side wall, whereby a non-radial, preferably tangential, force is imparted on the feedstock in the cylindrical vessel. Also disclosed is a method for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials.

Abstract: A method serves for the pyrolysis and gasification of substance mixtures containing organic constituents. The organic substances (4) or the substance mixture containing the organic constituents are brought into contact with a heat transfer medium, for preference the ash (5) from a combustion reactor (2) in a pyrolysis reactor (1), for preference a shaft reactor and pyrolysed. The pyrolysis coke (10) derived from the pyrolysis is combusted in a combustion reactor (2), for preference a fluidised bed reactor, under the admission of air (11). In order to improve such a method, the raw gas (6) generated by the pyrolysis is purified in a crack reactor (3), for preference by a catalyst.

Abstract: A microreactor is configured to have a metal substrate having a microchannel portion on one surface thereof, a heater provided on the other surface of the metal substrate via an insulating film, a catalyst supported on the microchannel portion, and a cover member having a feed material inlet and a gas outlet and joined to the metal substrate so as to cover the microchannel portion. Since the microreactor uses the metal substrate having a high thermal conductivity and a small heat capacity, the efficiency of heat conduction from the heater to the supported catalyst becomes high, and the processing of the metal substrate is easy to facilitate the production.

Abstract: A process of forming a hydrogen storage material, including the steps of: providing a borohydride material of the formula: M(BH4)x where M is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and 1?x?2; providing an alanate material of the formula: M1(AlH4)x where M1 is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal and 1?x?2; providing a halide material of the formula: M2Halx where M2 is an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or transition metal and Hal is a halide and 1?x?4; combining the borohydride, alanate and halide materials such that 5 to 50 molar percent from the borohydride material is present forming a reaction product material having a lower hydrogen release temperature than the alanate material.

Abstract: A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods and apparatus for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell to produce electricity. Water may be supplied in the form of steam for input to a catalytic converter. The converter may have a substrate element disposed therein coated with an oxide that may be oxidizable with steam and reducible back to an original state without use of a chemical agent. The steam may be converted to hydrogen and oxygen with the hydrogen channeled to an input and the oxygen channeled to an output of the fuel cell. The hydrogen output of the fuel cell and the oxygen may be combined to produce steam. The steam from the output may be recycled to the converter.

Abstract: A method and device for the gasification of solid fuels such as bituminous coals, and cokes such as those from bituminous coals, lignite coals, and biomasses, as well as petroleum cokes, that are ground fine and mixed with water or oil to obtain fuel-in-liquid suspensions, so-called slurries, and their gasification together with an oxidizing medium containing free oxygen, by partial oxidation at pressures between atmospheric pressure and 100 bar, and at temperatures between 1200 and 1900° C. in an entrained flow reactor. The method includes slurry preparation and infeed to the reactor, gasification in an entrained flow reactor with cooled reaction chamber contour, full quenching of the crude gas to saturation temperature that may be 180-260° C. depending on the gasification pressure, and wet or dry dust separation. The crude gas is pretreated so that it can be fed to further technological steps such as crude gas conversion, H2S and CO2 removal, and synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalytic steam gasification process for gasifying petroleum coke. The solids composition within the gasification reactor of the disclosed invention is maintained by controlling the catalyst composition of the feed. The process utilizes sour water from the raw gasification product gases to recover and recycle catalyst. Fine particles generated in the handling of coke are advantageously utilized to increase the efficiency of the process.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator and a method of operating the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator includes: a cylindrical reformer catalyst; and a cylindrical shift catalyst disposed inside of the reformer catalyst; a separation wall provided between the reformer catalyst and the shift catalyst; a cylinder that is disposed inside of the reformer catalyst, and comprises, on an outer surface thereof, a plurality of first nozzles to direct a plurality of flames to the reformer catalyst and a plurality of second nozzles to direct a plurality of flames to the shift catalyst; and a combustion fuel supply valve that selectively guides a combustion fuel to the first nozzles and or the second nozzles.

Abstract: A process of forming a hydrogen storage material, including the steps of: providing a first material of the formula M(BH4)X, where M is an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal, providing a second material selected from M(AlH4)x, a mixture of M(AlH4)x and MClx, a mixture of MClx and Al, a mixture of MClx and AlH3, a mixture of MHx and Al, Al, and AlH3. The first and second materials are combined at an elevated temperature and at an elevated hydrogen pressure for a time period forming a third material having a lower hydrogen release temperature than the first material and a higher hydrogen gravimetric density than the second material.

Abstract: A compact biomass gasification apparatus is capable of gasifying a wide variety of biomass materials, without regard to their size and/or the water content of those materials, and also capable of substantially removing the tar component generated in a gasification process. A biomass gasification apparatus primarily includes an externally heated rotary kiln-type thermal cracking unit (2) indirectly heating and thermally cracking a biomass material to generate a tar-containing pyrolysis gas and char from the biomass material, and a gasification unit (3) receiving the tar-containing pyrolysis gas and char from the thermal cracking unit (2) and thermally cracking the tar component in the pyrolysis gas and gasifying the char by an oxidation gas being introduced therein.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas generator generates hydrogen gas by mixing two reactants. The generator has a reaction chamber for receiving a solid reactant. The chamber has a reaction product separator impermeable to the solid reactant and a biasing means for biasing reactant products against the separator. The generator also has a liquid reactant dispenser for storing a liquid reactant and is fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber, such that dispensed liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant in the reaction chamber to produce hydrogen gas and a waste product that are substantially permeable through the separator. The generator also has a product collector coupled to the reaction chamber for collecting hydrogen gas and waste product that have passed through the separator.

Abstract: The reaction of halo-boron compounds (B—X compounds, compounds having one or more boron-halogen bonds) with silanes provides boranes (B—H compounds, compounds having one or more B—H bonds) and halosilanes. Inorganic hydrides, such as surface-bound silane hydrides (Si—H) react with B—X compounds to form B—H compounds and surface-bound halosilanes. The surface bound halosilanes are converted back to surface-bound silanes electrochemically. Halo-boron compounds react with stannanes (tin compounds having a Sn—H bond) to form boranes and halostannanes (tin compounds having a Sn—X bond). The halostannanes are converted back to stannanes electrochemically or by the thermolysis of Sn-formate compounds. When the halo-boron compound is BCl3, the B—H compound is B2H6, and where the reducing potential is provided electrochemically or by the thermolysis of formate.

Abstract: A method of utilizing hydrogen in synthesis gas production by forming synthesis gas from one or more carbonaceous materials, the synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; separating a hydrogen-rich product and a hydrogen-lean product from the synthesis gas to yield an adjusted synthesis gas product; and activating a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst with at least a portion of the hydrogen-lean product. A system for carrying out the method is also provided, the system including at least one hydrogen extraction unit and an activation reactor operable to activate hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, wherein the activation reactor comprises an inlet fluidly connected with the at least one hydrogen extraction unit whereby at least a portion of a hydrogen-lean gas stream, at least a portion of a hydrogen-rich gas stream, or at least a portion of both may be introduced into the activation reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for producing hydrogen gas by mechanical scraping of a surface of an aluminum-containing material, in the presence of an aqueous medium, the apparatus including: (a) a reaction chamber having a discharge port, and adapted to sealably contain the aqueous medium; (b) an aluminum-containing workpiece having a working surface; (c) a scraping mechanism having a brush adapted to contact the working surface, the workpiece and the scraping element disposed within the chamber, the surface and the scraping element adapted to move in a relative motion, whereby, in an operating condition, the scraping element scrapes against the working surface to effect a liberation of aluminum-containing particles from the workpiece, the chamber adapted to be substantially sealed with respect to an ambient environment, up to a superatmospheric pressure threshold, and further adapted whereby, during contacting of the aqueous medium and the particles within the chamber, the hydrogen gas is evolved and sel

Abstract: Method for producing a hydrogen storage material that includes a metal hydride and a non-hydrogenated material and that is doped with a metal as a catalyst, includes; mixing a catalyst precursor, which includes the metal, with the non-hydrogenated material so as to provide a first mixture; agitating the first mixture; thermally treating the first mixture so as to form a composite of the non-hydrogenated material and the metal; mixing the composite with the metal hydride so as to provide a second mixture; and grinding the second mixture so as to provide the hydrogen storage material.

Abstract: State-of-the-art electronic structure calculations yield results consistent with the observed compound SiLi2Mg and provide likelihood of the availability of IrLi2Mg and RhLi2Mg. Similar calculations provide likelihood of the availability of YLi2MgHn, ZrLi2MgHn, NbLi2MgHn, MoLi2MgHn, TcLi2MgHn, RuLi2MgHn, RhLi2MgHn, LaLi2MgHn, Ce4+Li2MgHn, Ce3+Li2MgHn, PrLi2MgHn, NdLi2MgHn, PmLi2MgHn, SmLi2MgHn, EuLi2MgHn, GdLi2MgHn, TbLi2MgHn, DyLi2MgHn, HoLi2MgHn, ErLi2MgHn, TmLi2MgHn, YbLi2MgHn, LuLi2MgHn, HfLi2MgHn, TaLi2MgHn, ReLi2MgHn, OsLi2MgHn, and IrLi2MgHn (here n is an integer having a value in a particular compound of 4-7) as solid hydrides for the storage and release of hydrogen. Different hydrogen contents may be obtained in compounds having the same XLi2Mg crystal structures. These materials offer utility for hydrogen storage systems.

Abstract: A method for treating drain in hydrogen production includes steps of gasifying in a gasifier (1), reforming in a reformer (2), gas-liquid separation in a gas-liquid separator (4), PSA gas separation in a PSA separator (5) and evaporation in a drain treatment unit (6). In the gasifying, a mixed material containing methanol is heated and gasified. In the reforming, reformed gas containing hydrogen is produced from the mixed material by reforming reaction of methanol. In the gas-liquid separation, a liquid component is separated from the reformed gas and discharged as drain. In the PSA gas separation, hydrogen-rich gas and offgas are extracted from the reformed gas by PSA separation using an adsorption tower. In the gasifying, the offgas is burned, and the mixed material is heated by using the combustion gas as heat source. In the evaporation, drain is evaporated using the combustion gas after heating the mixed material as heat source.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output composition from a gasification device for use in the gasification of biomass using a gasifier in which the biomass and gas both flow in a downward direction. The method combines the use of steam and oxygen as a mixed oxidation stream to control the processes occurring within the gasifier. The oxidants are introduced into the gasifier using a number of injection rings. Each injection ring is comprised of a number of injection nozzles each radially distributed at the same vertical height and possibly connected to the same supply source. Particularly satisfactory results can be achieved through the use of three injection rings, one at the top of the gasifier, one at the interface of the oxidation and reduction zone and one a small distance below the grate assembly. The produced syngas also contains extremely low concentrations of tar and low molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing synthesis gas, SG, from hydrocarbons and/or recycled compounds. In the process: a stream comprising a first feed F1 supplemented with steam undergoes steam reforming in a multi-tube reactor-exchanger R having a shell and reaction tubes containing a steam reforming catalyst within the shell; the reaction tubes are heated by convection by circulating in the shell, in overall counter-current mode, a heating fluid HF external to the tubes, which fluid comprises a first combustion gas stream of a second feed F2, then fluid HF is mixed, in 1 to 4 complementary combustion zones internal to the shell, with a third feed F3 and a gas comprising oxygen, to increase the temperature of the HF, and then the mixture obtained circulates in R to heat the reaction tubes in a complementary manner; and SG is produced from the steam reforming effluent from F1 and optionally part or all of the HF.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for producing energy from the controlled reaction of an alkali metal with water. The method comprises forcing a liquefied alkali metal through a filter that separates the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets. The alkali metal droplets comprise small enough particles that the alkali metal droplets completely react in water to produce heat, steam, an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen gas before the alkali metal droplets reach the surface of the water. The filter separates the alkali metal droplets at a sufficient distance to avoid recombining of the alkali metal droplets. The alkaline hydroxide is reduced to an alkali metal and water which can be reused in the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparation of a material adapted to reversible storage of hydrogen, including steps consisting of providing a first powder of a magnesium-based material, hydrogenating the first powder to convert at least part of the first powder into metal hydrides, mixing the first hydrogenating powder with a second powder additive, the proportion by mass of the second powder in the mix obtained being between 1% and 20% by mass, wherein the additive is formed from an alloy with a centred cubic structure based on titatnium, vanadium and at least one other metal chosen from chromium or manganese, and grinding the mix of first and second powders.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide emissions within a refinery are reduced by reforming a hydrocarbon containing feed at low pressure to enhance the conversion of methane to hydrogen and carbon monoxide and thereby reduce methane slip. The hydrocarbon containing feed is composed entirely or at least in part of a refinery off gas. The resulting reformed stream is then subjected to water-gas shift conversion to form a shifted stream from which carbon dioxide is separated. As a result of the separation and the low pressure reforming, hydrogen containing fuel gas streams, that are thereby necessary lean in carbon dioxide and methane, are used in firing the steam methane reformer and other fuel uses within the refinery to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon dioxide that is separated can be sequestered or used in other processes such as enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: Processes are provided for the storage and release of hydrogen by means of dehydrogenation of hydrogen carrier compositions where at least part of the heat of dehydrogenation is provided by a hydrogen-reversible selective oxidation of the carrier. Autothermal generation of hydrogen is achieved wherein sufficient heat is provided to sustain the at least partial endothermic dehydrogenation of the carrier at reaction temperature. The at least partially dehydrogenated and at least partially selectively oxidized liquid carrier is regenerated in a catalytic hydrogenation process where apart from an incidental employment of process heat, gaseous hydrogen is the primary source of reversibly contained hydrogen and the necessary reaction energy.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus are disclosed for sustainable CO2-free production of hydrogen and carbon by thermocatalytic decomposition (dissociation, pyrolysis, cracking) of hydrocarbon fuels over carbon-based catalysts in the absence of air and/or water. The apparatus and thermocatalytic process improve the activity and stability of carbon catalysts during the thermocatalytic process and produce both high purity hydrogen (at least, 99.0 volume %) and carbon, from any hydrocarbon fuel, including sulfurous fuels. In a preferred embodiment, production of hydrogen and carbon is achieved by both internal and external activation of carbon catalysts. Internal activation of carbon catalyst is accomplished by recycling of hydrogen-depleted gas containing unsaturated and aromatic hydrocarbons back to the reactor. External activation of the catalyst can be achieved via surface gasification with hot combustion gases during catalyst heating.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling hydrogen from a reforming process raises the pressure of at least one hydrogen-rich gas stream from at least one catalyst lock hopper and delivers at least a portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas stream to at least one predetermined downstream location. At least another portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas is used to maintain the desired pressure within the hydrogen recovery and recycling process and apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing silicon-germanium hydride compounds of the formula (H3Ge)4-XSiHX, wherein x=0, 1, 2 or 3. The method includes combining a silane triflate with a compound having a GeH3 ligand under conditions whereby the silicon-germanium hydride is formed. The compound having the GeH3 ligand is selected from the group consisting of KGeH3, NaGeH3 and MR3GeH3, wherein M is a Group IV element and R is an organic ligand. The silane triflate can be HXSi(OSO2CF3)4-x or HxSi(OSO2C4F9)4-x. The method can be used to synthesize trisilane, (H3Si)2SiH2, and the iso-tetrasilane analog, (H3Si)3SiH, by combining a silane triflate with a compound comprising a SiH3 ligand under conditions whereby the silicon hydride is formed. The silane triflate can include HXSi(OSO2CF3)4-x or HXSi(OSO2C4F9)4-x wherein x=1 or 2. A method for synthesizing (H3Ge)2SiH2 includes combining H3GeSiH2(OSO2CF3) with KGeH3 under conditions whereby (H3Ge)2SiH2 is formed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the rate at which an air stream is delivered to the heating assembly is controlled to selectively increase or decrease the temperature of the heated exhaust stream. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition.

Abstract: In a plate type reformer and a fuel cell system including the plate type reformer, the plate type reformer includes: a plate type combustion reactor including a distributing plate having a distributing chamber with a plurality of distributing holes adapted to supply an oxidizing agent, and a combustion plate having a combustion chamber with an oxidizing catalyst layer adapted to generate heat energy in response to the oxidizing agent supplied through the distributing holes of the distributing plate reacting with fuel; a plate type preheater including a channel adapted to introduce a mixed fuel of fuel and water is introduced, the plate type preheater adapted to preheat the mixed fuel with the heat energy generated in the plate type combustion reactor; and a plate type reforming reactor with a reforming catalyst layer adapted to generate hydrogen gas from the mixed fuel preheated by the plate type preheater, the plate type reforming reactor effecting a reforming reaction using the heat energy of the plate type

Abstract: A method of gasification burner online feeding for a coal-water slurry gasifier, where a coal-water slurry line and an oxidizer line are both protected by shield gas. The method may realize online, pressurized and continuous feeding of the gasification burners which are fixed after they stalled for other reasons than their own, thus greatly reducing the probability of accidental shutdown of gasifiers and improving the reliability of long-term service of the multi-nozzle opposed gasifier.

Abstract: Briefly described, methods of generating (H2) from a biomass and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: State-of-the-art electronic structure calculations provide the likelihood of the availability of AlLi2MgHn, ScLi2MgHn, TiLi2MgHn, VLi2MgHn, CrLi2MgHn, MnLi2MgHn, FeLi2MgHn, CoLi2MgHn, NiLi2MgHn, CuLi2MgHn, ZnLi2MgHn, GaLi2MgHn, GeLi2MgHn, PdLi2MgHn, AgLi2MgHn, CdLi2MgHn, InLi2MgHn, SnLi2MgHn, SbLi2MgHn, PtLi2MgHn, AuLi2MgHn, HgLi2MgHn, TlLi2MgHn, PbLi2MgHn, and BiLi2MgHn (here n is an integer having a value in a particular compound of 4-7) as solid hydrides for the storage and release of hydrogen. Different hydrogen contents may be obtained in compounds having the same XLi2Mg crystal structures. These materials offer utility for hydrogen storage systems.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid. The method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid includes: (a) mixing a metal borohydride and a zwitterionic material; (b) adding a solvent thereto to dissolve the mixture; and (c) generating hydrogen from the solution. The provided method of preparing hydrogen using an amino acid can reduce manufacturing costs, reduce a heating value of hydrogen during hydrolysis, increase a hydrogen generation rate, and allow a hydrogen generating apparatus to be small in size.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for methods of producing and releasing hydrogen from hydrogen storage compositions having a hydrogenated state and a dehydrogenated state. In the hydrogenated state, such a composition comprises a hydride and a hydroxide. In a dehydrogenated state, the composition comprises an oxide. A first reaction is conducted between a portion of the hydride and water to generate heat sufficient to cause a second hydrogen production reaction between a remaining portion of the hydride and the hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention is a natural gas steam reforming method for generating an output gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, including the following steps. (1) Combusting a portion of the natural gas with an oxidizing agent to generate heat, superheated steam, and a gas mixture of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. (2) Steam reforming the gas mixture with additional superheated steam under steam-rich conditions to transform a remaining portion of the natural gas into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. (3) Water-gas-shifting any residual carbon monoxide into additional carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen by utilizing a water-gas-shift catalyst downstream of the steam reforming step, thereby producing an effluent gas mixture that is predominantly carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: State-of-the-art electronic structure calculations yield results consistent with the observed compound SiLi2Mg and provide likelihood of the availability of IrLi2Mg and RhLi2Mg. Similar calculations provide likelihood of the availability of YLi2MgHn, ZrLi2MgHn, NbLi2MgHn, MoLi2MgHn, TcLi2MgHn, RuLi2MgHn, RhLi2MgHn, LaLi2MgHn, Ce4+Li2MgHn, Ce3+Li2MgHn, PrLi2MgHn, NdLi2MgHn, PmLi2MgHn, SmLi2MgHn, EuLi2MgHn, GdLi2MgHn, TbLi2MgHn, DyLi2MgHn, HoLi2MgHn, ErLi2MgHn, TmLi2MgHn, YbLi2MgHn, LuLi2MgHn, HfLi2MgHn, TaLi2MgHn, ReLi2MgHn, OsLi2MgHn, and IrLi2MgHn (here n is an integer having a value in a particular compound of 4-7) as solid hydrides for the storage and release of hydrogen. Different hydrogen contents may be obtained in compounds having the same XLi2Mg crystal structures. These materials offer utility for hydrogen storage systems.

Abstract: A method for separation of molecular hydrogen from a gaseous mixture containing the molecular hydrogen, which method employs a dense mixed oxide ion/electronic/hydrogen atom conducting membrane or separator having a feed side and a permeate side that enables two mechanisms for hydrogen separation—ambi-polar conduction and hydrogen atom conduction. In this method, at least a portion of the molecular hydrogen is converted on the feed side of the membrane to hydrogen atoms, which hydrogen atoms are conducted through the membrane to the permeate side thereof where they are converted back to molecular hydrogen. The permeate side of the membrane is contacted with steam, forming water and/or steam on the feed side of the membrane and additional molecular hydrogen on the permeate side of the separator.

Abstract: The present invention is natural gas steam reforming apparatus for generating an output gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The apparatus is made from two enclosures. A first enclosure contains a source of water, superheated steam, and channels, located within a lower portion of the first enclosure, which contain a water-gas-shift catalyst for converting CO into CO2 and H2. The heat from hot gas flowing through the channels is released into the first enclosure to boil the water to generate the superheated steam. A second enclosure, contained within an upper portion of the first enclosure, includes a steam inlet for receiving the superheated steam from the first enclosure; a combustion chamber; and a reformation chamber. The combustion chamber is used for combusting a portion of the natural gas to generate additional steam, heat, and a hot gas mixture of CO2, CO, and H2.

Abstract: A hydrogen supplying apparatus equipped with a hydrogen separation membrane and a catalyst plate, which is made by forming a catalyst layer on a metal plate, wherein the metal material of the membrane is different in hardness from that of the catalyst plate. A method of producing the hydrogen supplying apparatus, which comprises: bonding a catalyst plate and a hydrogen separation membrane to each other, by friction-stir welding, wherein a welding tool is pressed towards only one of the membrane and catalyst plate, forming a reaction layer between the membrane and the catalyst plate by the frictional heat, and forming ripples in the welded interface.

Abstract: State-of-the-art electronic structure calculations provide the likelihood of the availability of AlLi2MgHn, ScLi2MgHn, TiLi2MgHn, VLi2MgHn, CrLi2MgHn, MnLi2MgHn, FeLi2MgHn, CoLi2MgHn, NiLi2MgHn, CuLi2MgHn, ZnLi2MgHn, GaLi2MgHn, GeLi2MgHn, PdLi2MgHn, AgLi2MgHn, CdLi2MgHn, InLi2MgHn, SnLi2MgHn, SbLi2MgHn, PtLi2MgHn, AuLi2MgHn, HgLi2MgHn, TlLi2MgHn, PbLi2MgHn, and BiLi2MgHn (here n is an integer having a value in a particular compound of 4-7) as solid hydrides for the storage and release of hydrogen. Different hydrogen contents may be obtained in compounds having the same XLi2Mg crystal structures. These materials offer utility for hydrogen storage systems.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of storing hydrogen that comprises reacting two precursors to form a hydrogen storage composition comprising hydrogen, nitrogen, a Group 13 element, and an element selected from Group 1, Group 2 or mixtures thereof. In other aspects, the present invention provides a method of storing hydrogen by ball-milling two precursors at a temperature in a range sufficient to prevent pre-mature release of hydrogen, while the temperature is still sufficient to induce reaction between the precursors. The precursors preferably have X—H, Y—H and A-H bonds where X represents a Group 13 element, Y represents a Group 15 element, and A represents an element from Group 1, Group 2, or mixtures thereof. Other variations of the methods of storing hydrogen are further provided.

Abstract: Polymer dispersions of powders based on tungsten hydrogen bronze, especially containing a minor amount of tungsten metal, show good IR absorbing and heat shielding properties. The powders may be obtained by contacting an ammonium tungstate with hydrogen at a temperature of 2500 K or more, e.g. in a plasma.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-burner gasification reactor for gasification of slurry or pulverized hydrocarbon feed materials and industry applications thereof. Burners are disposed on the periphery or top of a gasification reactor vessel, wherein the side burners are at a small downward angle relative to the horizontal plane, which can prolong the life of refractory bricks. The operating pressure of the gasification reactor is 0.1˜12 MPa, and the operating temperature thereof is 1350° C.˜1700° C. The gasification reactor is applicable to a hot-wall lining as well as a cold-wall lining. The notable advantages of the gasification reactor are carbon conversion is high and can reach 99%, and the effective gas content is high; specific coal consumption and specific oxygen consumption are low; and it is applicable to a large coal gasification plant that processes above 3000 tons of coal per day.