Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods of generating hydrogen including contacting magnesium and silicon to form a mixture and reacting the mixture with an aqueous solution, sufficient to generate hydrogen. The solution can include water and salt.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system comprising a solid fuel that reacts with an aqueous liquid to generate hydrogen is disclosed. The solid fuel comprises first metallic particles coated by smaller second metallic particles, such that multiple galvanic cells are formed on a surface of the first metallic particles between the metals in the first metallic particles and the second metallic particles. The first metallic particles can be further covered by smaller third particles. An example of the solid fuel is hybrid particles formed by larger magnesium particles coated by smaller iron and silicon particles. The solid fuel may also include salt such as sodium chloride and/or a fire retardant such as potassium chloride. The salt may be added to the aqueous liquid instead. The solid fuel can be formed into fuel pellets, or can be suspended in a suspension agent to form slurries or gels.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods of generating hydrogen including contacting magnesium and silicon to form a mixture and reacting the mixture with an aqueous solution, sufficient to generate hydrogen. The solution can include water and salt.