- Reaction score
- 2,276
SiGNa Chemistry Inc. is launching a hydrogen-producing cartridge, the mobile-H2™, that will work with a portable, pocket-sized fuel cell charger to provide instant power for cell phones and other mobile devices. You simply add water to the cartridge, and the device will charge depleted batteries on the go. For further convenience, any water will do (even waste water). Unlike solar battery chargers, you don’t need to worry about getting enough sunlight. According to its press materials, these cartridges provide a steady level of power from beginning to end.
This sounds a bit like magic, but it actually involves some well-known chemistry. SiGNa’s hydrogen cartridge technology is based on the combination of sodium and silicon in the form of sodium silicide (NaSi). Normally, sodium metal reacts violently with water to produce hydrogen gas. SiGNa has found a technique to take full advantage of the reducing power of sodium without the safety concerns.
SiGNa hasn’t released details on the synthesis of their sodium silicide. However, based on publications from SiGNa’s CEO and collaborators, we know that, in the past, they have absorbed sodium into silica by coating commercially available silica gel with a liquid sodium-potassium alloy (Na2K) to create a black powder. They then give the powder various heat treatments to create a material with enhanced stability.
SiGNa’s sodium silicide might have a similar production process. NaSi is stable for long periods in open air (over two years) and reacts controllably with water.
Source.
