Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides such a hydrogen-stored electrode extremely useful for application to the cathode of alkaline battery. It makes it possible to manufacture such a useful hydrogen-stored electrode molded into electrode form after activation of hydrogen-stored alloy by means of hydrogen generated by immersion of blends into solution, in which the blends is composed of hydrogen-stored alloy and additives that generate hydrogen through their reaction with the above solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to lanthanum and nickel based alloys comprising components of the La Ni.sub.5 type where the lanthanum and/or nickel are partially substituted, the substituent element comprising a metal M chosen in the VI or VII group of the elements periodic system and this according to an atomic proportion comprised between 0.1 and 2 relative to nickel, and preferably between 0.5 and 1.The invention relates also to hydrogen electrodes made from such an alloy, and to an alkaline electrode type accumulator comprising such an electrode.

Abstract: A foil material for the storage of hydrogen in materials capable of bearing hydrogen, i.e. a hydrogen storageable material. Through the intermediary of a heat-conductive bond between a metal having hydrogen storage capability and a substrate, which is adapted for the absorption and conducting off of the reaction heat produced during hydrogen exchange, and on which the hydrogen storageable metal is applied as a storage layer, there is afforded a rapid heat exchange during the loading and unloading of the storage layer. Employed for this purpose is the heat capacity of the substrate. The material for the substrate and the volume of the latter is so selected that the reaction to heat is exchangeable with the substrate of the storage layer without the need for ancillary heat exchangers; in effect, can be taken up by or given up from the substrate. The storage layer has its exposed surface covered with a protective layer which acts in a corrosion-inhibiting manner and which is permeable to hydrogen.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material for releasably storing hydrogen having a microstructure containing an alloy phase of the general formula R.sub.2 Fe.sub.17, wherein R is cerium and lanthanum and, optionally, at least one other rare earth element, and wherein a microstructure also contains from about 2 to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of all phases, of a eutectic of the formula R'/R'Fe.sub.2, wherein R' is lanthanum-starved R; the alloy phase of the general formula R.sub.2 Fe.sub.17 being present in an amount of not less than 40% by weight of the material, and the material contains less than 60% by weight of cerium based on the total amount of cerium, lanthanum and, if present, at least one other rare earth element. A method for producing such material by heat treating in an inert atmosphere so as to homogenize same and to increase the proportion of alloy phase in the material is also described.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials are provided of a ternary alloy of the formula:ZrMnFe.sub.xwherein x has a value from 1.2 to 1.3, and their hydrides.

Abstract: A nonequilibrium state material, typically a rare-earth-transition metal, for reversible hydrogen storage. A rare earth-transition metal such as a rare earth cobalt alloy, like a samarium-cobalt or a lanthanum-nickel alloy, is provided in the amorphous or metastable crystalline state as a hydrogen absorbing material, particularly for use in a hydrogen storage and retrieval system, such as a fluidized bed or stacked plate hydrogen storage cell. The rare-earth-transition metal material is rapidly cooled from the liquid state to avoid the transition to a full crystalline state thereby obtaining an amorphous or quasi-stable crystalline state material which has the property of enhanced hydrogen storage capacity as well as being substantially immune to fracturing.

Abstract: A process for the production of alkali metal aluminum tetrahydrides from its elements by pressure hydrogenation, particularly characterized by production in the presence of an aluminate catalyst formed from NaAlCl.sub.4. The process is preferably carried out on a semi-continuous basis in which the active aluminum-containing heel is carried through to successive batches.

Abstract: An alloy consisting of zirconium, chromium, iron and optionally titanium is characterized in having C14 hexagonal crystal structure and ZrCr.sub.2 stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x Cr.sub.2-y Fe.sub.y wherein "x" has a value between 0.0 and 0.9 and "y" has a value of 0.1 to 1.5, are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are organic treating agents for imparting improved flow properties to hydrides and compositions comprising hydrides treated with an effective amount of an organic compound capable of imparting improved flow properties to said hydride. Also disclosed are methods for improving the flow properties of hydrides comprising treating said hydrides with an organic compound capable of imparting improved flow properties. Said organic treating agent can be in liquid or vapor form and comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, amines, organic acids and organic acid salts.

Abstract: A method of preparing an active magnesium-hydride or magnesium hydrogen-storer system which can reversibly take up H.sub.2, comprising contacting finely divided magnesium hydride or metallic magnesium with a solution of a metal complex or of a metal-organic compound of a transition metal of Subgroups IV-VIII of the periodic table, and then removing the solution. The product performs better with regard to speed and efficiency upon repeated hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, as in hydrogen storage and evolution.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel active materials which reversibly store hydrogen under conditions which make them exceptionally well-suited for elecrochemical applications. These active materials have both novel compositions and structures. A first group of active material compositions incorporate the elements of titanium, vanadium, and nickel. A second group adds zirconium to the first group of active materials. A preferred third composition group adds chromium to the first group of active materials. These materials may be single or multiphase combinations of amorphous, microcrystalline, or polycrystalline structures. Preferably, these materials have a multiphase polycrystalline structure. Methods of reducing the size or of sizing these materials, as well as other hydride-forming alloys, also are provided. Methods of preparing the inventive hydrogen storage materials and fabricating electrodes from these active materials are contemplated.

Abstract: A process for obtaining hydrogen and oxygen from water in a two stage process including a first electrolysis stage performed in a two chamber cell wherein the chambers are separated by a membrane. Iodine is introduced into the cathodic chamber and hydrogen iodide is formed therein. Oxygen is formed in the anodic chamber and is removed as a product. The membrane conducts hydrogen ions and prevents the passage of the products HI and oxygen. In a second phase, hydrogen iodide is separated and removed from the cathodic chamber and is thermally decomposed into hydrogen and iodine. The iodine is recycled to the cathodic chamber and the hydrogen is recovered as a product.

Abstract: A metal composition, particularly magnesium or a magnesium alloy is activated for hydrogen storage by a plurality of activation cycles each comprising a step of hydriding the metal composition followed by a dehydriding step; in this way the metal composition is activated for reaction with hydrogen for hydrogen storage, more efficiently and in less time than with prior techniques.

Abstract: A process for the production of alkali metal aluminum tetrahydrides from aluminum and alkali metal. The reactants, preferably in stoichiometric proportions, are pressure hydrogenated in an ether reaction medium in the presence of an aluminum-containing catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the production of alkali metal aluminum tetrahydrides from its elements by pressure hydrogenation, particularly characterized by production from an aluminum containing a reaction-promoting quantity of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, or uranium. Titanium is preferred in a quantity of at least about 250 parts per part by weight aluminum. The process is preferably carried out on a semi-continuous basis in the presence of an alkali metal aluminate which is carried through to successive batches as an active heel.A novel composition of alkali metal aluminum tetrahydride in liquid reaction medium also containing alkali metal aluminate activator/catalyst. The alkali metal aluminate is preferably retained in a reaction heel for catalysis of subsequent reaction cycles.

Abstract: An effective two stage process for the production of sodium aluminum tetrahydride which facilitates use of equipment at moderate hydrogen pressure of 700-1500 psig. An aluminum alkyl is added to provide a catalyst species in a hydrocarbon reaction medium containing aluminum and sodium reactants. A reaction at about 130.degree.-170.degree. C. is carried out to form Na.sub.3 AlH.sub.6. The reaction temperature is then lowered to about 80.degree.-120.degree. C. and the hydrogen pressure is continued to convert the Na.sub.3 AlH.sub.6 to NaAlH.sub.4.

Abstract: Quaternary hyperstoichiometric alloys of the formula: ZrCrFeT.sub.x and their hydrides are provided, characterized as having MgZn.sub.2 hexagonal crystal structure wherein T is selected from Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, and X is a number from 0.1 to 1.0. These alloys readily form hydrides at low hydrogen pressure and are suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing metal-embedded porous metallic-hydride (pmh) compacts capable of withstanding repeated hydriding-dehydring cycles without disintegrating. According to the invention, the finely divided hydridable metal alloy hydride is admixed with a finely divided metal selected from Al, Ni, Cu or other transition metals and charged with hydrogen. The resulting mixture is sintered in a furnace in which hydrogen is introduced at a pressure above the equilibrium pressure to the prevailing temperature, mechanical stress being applied simultaneously. The compacts obtained possess outstanding stability, as shown by the fact that they have remained intact even after more than 6000 cycles.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for storing isotopes of hydrogen (especially tritium) are provided. The hydrogen gas(es) is (are) stored as hydrides of material (for example uranium) within boreholes in a block of copper. The mass of the block is critically important to the operation, as is the selection of copper, because no cooling pipes are used. Because no cooling pipes are used, there can be no failure due to cooling pipes. And because copper is used instead of stainless steel, a significantly higher temperature can be reached before the eutectic formation of uranium with copper occurs, (the eutectic of uranium with the iron in stainless steel forming at a significantly lower temperature).

Abstract: A method for separating chlorosilanes from a gaseous mixture which additionally contains hydrogen and hydrogen chloride by washing the gaseous mixture with saturated hydrochloric acid is disclosed. The resulting chlorosilane hydrolysis products can remain in the hydrochloric acid serving as washing liquid, without interfering with the purifying action. The suspended hydrolysis products are easily filtrable, and can be periodically separated from the hydrochloric acid. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrochloric acid is recirculated and injected into the gas stream being washed.

Abstract: Alloys consisting of from 64 to 77 atomic percent of manganese with the remainder zirconium are not suitable without further processing as a material for storing hydrogen at technically desired pressures. This property can be advantageously influenced by a heat treatment until a homogeneous C14 type of Laves phase has been obtained.

Abstract: A solid-state hydrogen storage system. A layer of an amorphous binary metal lloy of a lanthanide and iron, nickel or cobalt is disposed on a suitable substrate and overcoated with palladium metal.

Abstract: Alkali metal beryllium tetrahydride is produced by heating a mixture of beryllium hydride and an alkali metal aluminum complex of the formulaMA1R.sub.m H.sub.nwherein M is an alkali metal, R is a hydrocarbyl group, m is an integer from 1 to 4, n is an integer from 0 to 3, the total of m and n being 4, the mixture having a BeH.sub.2 : MA1R.sub.m H.sub.n mole ratio above 1:1 (preferably at least about 1.5:1) to a temperature at which alkali metal beryllium tetrahydride of the formula M.sub.2 BeH.sub.4 is produced.

Abstract: Alkali metal beryllium tetrahydride is produced by subjecting a mixture of beryllium and an alkali metal beryllium complex of the formulaMBeR.sub.m H.sub.nwherein M is an alkali metal, R is a hydrocarbyl group, m is an integer from 1 to 3, n is an integer from 0 to 2, the total of m and n being 3, to a pressurized atmosphere of hydrogen and an elevated temperature at which alkali metal beryllium tetrahydride of the formula M.sub.2 BeH.sub.4 is produced.

Abstract: Alkali metal beryllium tetrahydride is produced by subjecting a mixture of beryllium and an alkali metal aluminum complex of the formulaMAlR.sub.m H.sub.nwherein M is an alkali metal, R is a hydrocarbyl group, m is an integer from 1 to 4, n is an integer from 0 to 3, the total of m and n being 4, to a pressurized atomsphere of hydrogen and an elevated temperature at which alkali metal beryllium tetrahydride of the formula M.sub.2 BeH.sub.4 is produced.

Abstract: When subjecting a mixture of beryllium and an alkali metal aluminum complex of the formulaMAlR.sub.m H.sub.nwherein M is an alkali metal, R is a hydrocarbyl group, m is an integer from 1 to 4, n is an integer from 0 to 3, the total of m and n being 4, to a pressurized atmosphere of hydrogen and an elevated temperature, a solid reaction product is produced. This product, composed of M.sub.2 BeH.sub.4 and other solid components, is mixed with an inert liquid diluent having a specific gravity above that of the M.sub.2 BeH.sub.4 but below that of essentially all of the other solid components. A separation is effected in this diluent between the M.sub.2 BeH.sub.4 and essentially all of such other solid components, and the M.sub.2 BeH.sub.4 is recovered.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material is described which comprises an alloy of the composition of 25 to 30.9% by weight of Ti, about 10 to about 42% by weight of V and about 27.1 to about 65.1% by weight of Mn. The proviso is that more than 2 up to at most 2.2 atoms are present per titanium atom. Up to about 40%, preferably about 10 to about 40%, of the vanadium atoms can be replaced by iron atoms and up to about 10%, preferably about 3 to about 10%, can be replaced by aluminum atoms, but not more than about 40% of the vanadium atoms in total are replaced. Moreover, in place of titanium, a mixture can be used in which up to about 20% of the titanium fraction are replaced by Ca, Y, La, misch metal, or mixtures thereof. Up to about 0.2 atom of Cr per the titanium atom, up to about 0.1 atom of Ni per titanium atom and up to about 0.05 atom of Cu per titanium atom can also be present, but not more than about 0.1 atom of Ni plus Cu, these atoms replacing the same number of vanadium atoms.

Abstract: To improve reactor throughput and raw material utilization, the direct synthesis process for producing sodium aluminum tetrahydride is conducted in a semi-continuous manner whereby in at least one run (and preferably in each of a plurality of successive runs) the reaction is conducted (and preferably the respective reactions are conducted) to a stage at or before which the reaction rate would begin to significantly decrease due to consumption of the sodium. At that stage at least a portion of the liquid reaction solution is separated from the unreacted aluminum and sodium to leave a highly active sodium- and aluminum- containing heel for use in initiating the ensuing run. Preferably the aluminum used in at least some of the runs contains a reaction-promoting amount of another metal such as titanium. Use of an ether reaction medium (which need not be pre-treated to remove small amounts of alcohols and/or water) is also preferred. Sodium aluminum tetrahydride is a well-known chemical reducing agent.

Abstract: An economical metallic material for absorption and desorption of hydrogen comprising an alloy having the general formula represented by AB.sub.x, wherein A is Ca or a metallic material which is an alloy including Ca, B is Ni or a metallic material which is an alloy including Ni, and x is in the range of 3.8-6.3, and exhibiting a hydrogen dissociation equilibrium pressure (or plateau pressure, pressure of the plateau region of hydrogen dissociation pressure-hydride composition isotherm) below 1 atm at normal temperatures.The material of the invention very easily absorbs large amounts of hydrogen and efficiently releases it at other predetermined temperatures, pressure and electrochemical conditions, whereby it is able to store hydrogen safely, usefully and economically.

Abstract: Solid solutions of titanium, a second metal such as niobium, vanadium, and molybdenum and a third metal such as cobalt, germanium, or iron, wherein the second metal is niobium or vanadium and optionally when the second metal is molybdenum, react rapidly at room temperature obviating the need for a high temperature induction period. Solid solutions having formula (Ti.sub.1-x Nb.sub.x).sub.1-y M.sub.y wherein 0.25.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.95 and wherein y varies from at least about 0.01 to the solubility limit of M such as cobalt, germanium, or iron in said solution, are also disclosed. Hydrides of solid solution alloys of Ti/Mo/M, Ti/Nb/M and Ti/V/M are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a vanadium-based metal hydride which comprises reacting hydrogen gas at a temperature between about 0.degree. and 100.degree. C. with a vanadium-based binary solid solution alloy having a body-centered cubic structure and having a formula V.sub.1-x M.sub.x, wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, chromium, cobalt, iron, nickel and mixtures thereof and wherein x varies from at least about 2 atom percent up to the solubility limit of cobalt, iron and nickel and up to about 20 mol % of manganese and up to about 40 mol % of chromium in said solid solution alloy is disclosed.

Abstract: Solid solution of niobium or tantalum and a second metal react rapidly with hydrogen under mild conditions, eliminating the need for a high temperature induction process. Suitable second metals include Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Cu, V, Si, Ge and Ga.

Abstract: An alloy of the general formula:RNi.sub.5-x Cr.sub.y A.sub.z(wherein, R denotes one member selected from the group consisting of rare earth metal atoms and Misch metal, A denotes one metal atom selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, and tantalum, x denotes a number falling in the range of 0.01 to 2.0, y denotes a number falling in the range of 0.01 to 2.0, and z denotes a number not exceeding 0.2, providing that x, y, and z have the relation, 5.0.ltoreq.5-x+y+z.ltoreq.5.2) is useful as a hydrogen-occluding metal with slight hysteresis.

Abstract: A quaternary alloy consisting of zirconium, titanium, manganese and iron is characterized in having C14 hexagonal crystal structure and ZrMn.sub.2 stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x Mn.sub.2-y Fe.sub.y wherein "x" has a value between 0.05 and 0.3 and "y" has a value between 0.1 and 1, are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: A ternary alloy comprised of zirconium, manganese and a third element selected from cerium, praseodymium and neodymium is characterized in having AB.sub.2 hexagonal crystal structure and stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula Zr.sub.x-1 M.sub.x Mn.sub.2 wherein "x" has a value between zero and about 0.3 and M is one of the selected metals, are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: An alloy of the composition represented by the formula, Mm.sub.1-x Ca.sub.x Ni.sub.5-y A.sub.y, wherein Mm stands for Mischmetal, A for one member selected from the group consisting of Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Si and Zn, x for a number within the range of 0.01 to 0.99 and y for a number within the range of 0.05 to 3 is useful for storage of hydrogen.

Abstract: A ternary intermetallic compound having the formula Zr(V.sub.1-x Cr.sub.x).sub.2 where x is in the range of 0.01 to 0.90 is capable of reversibly sorbing hydrogen at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 200.degree. C., at pressures down to 10.sup.-6 Torr. The compound is suitable for use as a hydrogen getter in low pressure, high temperature applications such as magnetic confinement fusion devices.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for treating a pressurized feed stream capable of undergoing an endothermic reaction are disclosed. The process includes dividing the feed stream and heating a portion of the feed stream in an endothermic reaction zone so as to produce an endothermic reaction product, subjecting that product to a secondary processing step which is favored by a reduction in temperature, expanding the other part of the feed stream, indirectly contacting the expanded portion of the feed stream thus produced with the endothermic reaction product in order to reduce the temperature of the endothermic reaction product and increase the temperature of the expanded portion of the feed stream, and utilizing the expanded portion of the feed stream as means for adding heat to the initial portion of the feed stream sent to the endothermic reaction zone.

Abstract: There is provided an efficient method of storing hydrogen in materials of small mass and small volume. The products of the present invention comprise intimate mixtures (as opposed to alloys) of magnesium and other metals or alloys capable of forming hydrides. The hydrides are selected so that the hydrides have a substantially lower thermal stability than that of magnesium hydride.

Abstract: The activation of a mass of metal granules capable of storing hydrogen with the formation of hydride in a pressure vessel, instead of having to be activated before use by repeated heating in a hydrogen atmosphere followed by cooling and evacuation before the next heating, is activated in the pressure vessel used for storage by first heating a small portion of the granulate to the necessary activation temperature and then allowing the heat developed by the activation of that portion to produce the activation of the remainder of the granulate. It is found that it thus possible to provide complete activation with only one heating step. The small portion that is first activated may be a part of the granulate that is of a different composition that is easier to activate, for example, LaNi.sub.5, which can be activated at room temperature, or iron-titanium alloys that are capable of activation under 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material comprising a composite material comprising a matrix of an alloy consisting essentially of iron and titanium in an iron/titanium atomic ratio of 1/1.04-1.40, and dispersed therein as separate phases, a metallic oxide composed of iron, titanium and oxygen.

Abstract: This invention concerns an efficient, high recovery, single product, multiple-stage process for producing high BTU methane from a low BTU feed gas containing carbon monoxide, hydrogen, nitrogen and other materials. In the process, impurities like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are removed at the appropriate point. The carbon monoxide is removed and split into two streams. One stream is reacted with steam to provide additional hydrogen which is mixed with the other carbon monoxide stream and passed to a methanator. The hydrogen in the feed gas is recovered in an especially efficient two stage manner which is suitable for use with standard cooling water and which reduces metallurgical problems, compression requirements and heat requirements. In the first stage, metal hydrides are formed, thereby separating the hydrogen in the feed gas from nitrogen and the nitrogen exits and is removed.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage Ti-Fe alloy of the general formula, Ti.sub.1-x A.sub.x Fe.sub.y-z B.sub.z, in which A is Zr, Hf or a mixture thereof, B is a member selected from Cr, Cu, Co, Mo, V, Ni, Nb, Mn and a mixture thereof, and x, y and z are values of certain ranges, respectively. The alloy is predominantly comprised of an effective alloy phase of CsCl type body-centered cubic crystals. The alloy of the formula where z=O is within the scope of the invention. A process for making an alloy of this type is also disclosed.

Abstract: An economical metallic material for absorption and desorption of hydrogen comprising an alloy having the general formula represented by AB.sub.x, wherein A is Ca or a metallic material which is an alloy including Ca, B is Ni or a metallic material which is an alloy including Ni, and x is in the range of 3.8-6.3, and exhibiting a hydrogen dissociation equilibrium pressure (or plateau pressure, pressure of the plateau region of hydrogen dissociation pressure-hydride composition isotherm) below 1 atm at normal temperatures.The material of the invention very easily absorbs large amounts of hydrogen and efficiently releases it at other predetermined temperatures, pressure and electrochemical conditions, whereby it is able to store hydrogen safely, usefully and economically.

Abstract: An alloy capable of reversible sorption of hydrogen having the formula Fe.sub.1-x Mn.sub.x Ti.sub.1-y V.sub.y, where x is within the range from 0 to 0.2 and y is within the range of from 0.005 to 0.08.

Abstract: An oxygen stabilized intermetallic compound having the formula Zr.sub.x OV.sub.y where x=0.7 to 2.0 and y=0.18 to 0.33. The compound is capable of reversibly sorbing hydrogen at temperatures from -196.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. at pressures down to 10.sup.-6 Torr. The compound is also capable of selectively sorbing hydrogen from gaseous mixtures in the presence of CO and CO.sub.2.

Abstract: There is described an alloy metal hydride for storing and releasing hydrogen at predetermined temperatures and pressures intended for storing and transporting said hydrogen and also for use as a hydrogen supply source of a fuel cell and fuel electrode. The alloy of this invention consists of 30 to 80 percent by weight Ti and 20 to 70 percent by weight Mn having a high dissociation pressure, easy hydrogen activation, low heat of formation of hydrides and a very fast rate of absorption and desorption, also the alloy is of light weight and of low cost, therefore being of great industrial use.

Abstract: An iron-titanium-niobium alloy of the following formulaFe.sub.x Nb.sub.y Ti.sub.z [I]wherein x+y+z=1, 0.50.gtoreq.x.gtoreq.0.40, and 0.10.gtoreq.y.gtoreq.0.05; and its hydride. Contacting of the iron-titanium-niobium alloy with high-pressure hydrogen gas at room temperature results in its conversion to a hydride. The hydride has the property of easily releasing hydrogen. Thus, the iron-titanium-niobium alloy is useful as a hydrogen storage medium.

Abstract: A Mischmetal alloy of the general formula: MmNi.sub.5-x Cr.sub.x-y A.sub.y, wherein Mm stands for Mischmetal and A for Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn or Si, is highly useful as an alloy for the storage of hydrogen by occlusion.

Abstract: A system is described for the conversion of the energy in the wind over oceanic regions into hydrogen which can be used as a supplement to or replacement for fossil fuels. The system is based on the use of modified sailing vessels which serve as water electrolysis plants. In operation, the wind propels the vessel through the water in the manner common to all sailing vessels except that the vessel in this system does not carry a mast and does not need the ballasting characteristic of conventional sailcraft. The propulsion of the vessel causes an immersed screw propeller to power an electromagnetic generator, the electric current from which electrolytically decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored on board the vessel by allowing it to combine with suitable metal alloys such as the Fe-Ti alloys to form a hydride.