Powdered metal source for production of heat and hydrogen gas. [electrochemical source comprised of intimate mixture of powdered Mg and Fe particles, with Fe particles embedded in the surface of Mg particles]

Patent · Thu Sep 19 04:00:00 EDT 1974

OSTI ID:7136357

Black, S A; Jenkins, J F

An electrochemical source for the rapid generation of heat and hydrogen gas upon activation by electrolyte, comprises: (a) an intimate mixture of powdered magnesium and iron metal particles in contact with each other such that the normal electrical contact resistance between said magnesium and iron powdered metal particles is substantially reduced; (b) said iron metal particles being embedded in the surface of at least a substantial portion of said magnesium metal particles to form ironized magnesium particles; (c) each ironized magnesium metal particle forming a shorted micro electrochemical cell; (d) said intimate powdered metal mixture which includes micro electrochemical cells being sandwiched between sheets of plastic material; (e) moisture retaining absorbent means being included with said intimate powdered metal mixture between said sheets of plastic; (f) said intimate mixture of powdered metal particles operable to produce heat and hydrogen by exothermic reaction upon addition of suitable electrolyte; and (g) the variation of powder sizes and of the ratio of magnesium to iron metal surface area exposed, operating to control the amount of heat and hydrogen produced and the operational life of said source in the electrolyte.

• Assignee: Secretary of the Navy
• Patent Number(s): US 3942511
• OSTI ID: 7136357
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
080100* -- Hydrogen-- Production
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
HEAT
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
IRON
MAGNESIUM
METALS
PARTICLES
POWDERS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS