Laboratory Studies of Hydrogen Gas Generation Using the Cobalt Chloride Catalyzed Sodium Borohydride-Water Reaction
Abstract
SSC Pacific conducted experiments using the CoCl2 catalyzed NaBH4:H2O system to generate hydrogen gas. For the reaction to complete in a reasonable time, either distilled or deionized water should be used. The minimum ratio of H2O:NaBH4 that could be tolerated was 4.6:1. We found that the reaction rate could be controlled by varying the flow rate of water through the Cu cooling coils, or by keeping the flow rate constant and automatically turning the cooling on/off upon reaching a set temperature. Measurements showed that the temperature of the reacting solution was inhomogeneous and hotter at the air/reagent interface. Consequently, placement of the monitoring/controlling thermocouple influences control of the reaction. Experiments conducted under pressure showed that pressure suppresses foaming. The lessons learned from these experiments provide guidance on how to control hydrogen gas generation to inflate lighter-than-air vehicles and we are implementing these findings in large-scale testing of hydrogen generation modules now underway.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA626193
Entities
People
- B. J. Wiedemeier
- C. A. Becker
- G. W. Anderson
- P. A. Boss
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command