Abstract:A novel composition of AlLi/NaBH₄ mixture activated by common Ni powder in water for hydrogen generation was investigated. The composition presents good hydrogen generation performance and an optimized Al−10% Li−10% Ni/NaBH₄ mixture (mass ratio of 3:1) generates 1540 mL/g hydrogen with 96% efficiency at 333 K. Ni powder exhibits dual catalytic effects on the hydrolysis of AlLi/NaBH₄ mixture due to the formation of Ni₂B in the hydrolysis process. The Ni₂B deposited on aluminum surface could act as a cathode of a micro galvanic couple. Ni₂B/Al(OH)₃ also has a synergistic effect on NaBH₄ hydrolysis. Good hydrogen generation performance with stable pH value of hydrolysis byproduct Al(OH)₃/NaBO₂∙2H₂O was obtained with successive additions of Al−Li−Ni /NaBH₄ mixture into fixed water.

Key words: hydrogen generation; AlLi alloy; NaBH₄; Ni