HYDROGEN PRODUCTION METHOD AND DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen in a liquid and to a device for implementing the method characterized in that suspension 1.2 of graphene particles in the liquid is provided to reaction tank 1.1, and then the contents of the reaction tank are exposed to an electromagnetic radiation beam with a wavelength in the UV-VIS-FIR light wave range, which radiation is generated by emitter 1.5, after which the hydrogen liberated from the liquid is transferred through vent 7 outside the reaction tank.

Claims

1. The method for producing hydrogen in a liquid characterized in that a suspension (2) of graphene particles in the liquid is provided to a reaction tank (1.1) made of transparent material partially or completely transmittable for the UV-VIS-FIR light wave range, and then the contents of the reaction tank (1.1) are exposed to an electromagnetic radiation beam with a wavelength in the UV-VIS-FIR light wave range, which radiation is generated by an emitter (3), after which the hydrogen liberated from the liquid is transferred through the vent (7) outside the reaction tank (1.1).

2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the liquid is deionized water or alcohol or a mixture thereof in any proportions, preferably alcohol is methanol or ethanol, or propanol, or isopropanol, or mixtures thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the graphene particles suspended in the liquid are in the form of graphene oxide powder, porous graphene or graphene flakes of sizes from 0.1 to 100 m.

4. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the emitter (3) operates in a continuous or pulsed mode, emitting electromagnetic waves with a wavelength in the range of 400-1100 nm, preferably 650-1100 nm.

5. The method of claim 1, characterized in that, during illumination, the contents of the tank (1.1) are intensely mixed with the use of ultrasounds in a continuous or pulsed manner.

6. A device for implementing the method of claim 1, characterized in that it has a tank (1.1) equipped with a vent (7) constituting a hydrogen collection system and an electromagnetic radiation generation system consisting of an optical system (1.3) and an emitter (1.4) focusing an electromagnetic radiation beam, wherein the emitter (1.4) is optionally equipped with a power supply system (3) and a control system (4).

7. The device of claim 6, characterized in that it has a tank (1.1) in the form of a single vessel or an arrangement of vessels and, optionally, a system (6a) for mixing the contents of the tank (1.1).

8. The device of claim 6, characterized in that the tank (1.1) is made of material partially or completely transmittable for the UV-VIS-FIR light wave range, such as glass, quartz, plastic or metal, a metal tank comprising at least one optical window made of material completely transmittable for UV-VIS-FIR light wave range, such as glass, quartz, plastic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The object of the invention in the embodiments is illustrated in the drawing, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a method for producing hydrogen with the method according to the invention, a list of designations: 1.1tank, 1.2suspension of graphene particles in the liquid, 1.3optical system, 1.4electromagnetic radiation emitterA: 1.5light-emitting diodes, lasers, 1.6power supply, B: 1.7sunlight, arrows show the direction of electromagnetic radiation emission;

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a vessel with a graphene solution, a list of designations: 1vessel (body, panel), 2suspension of graphene in the liquid, 3 light emitter in the form of LED (LED array), 4transparent silicone for hermetic protection of LEDs, 5heat sink, 6space above the liquid surface, 7vent (hydrogen collection system), 8liquid filling valve, 9liquid supply system;

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a device for producing hydrogen in capsules containing a liquid and graphene mixture based on LED with bottom emission, a list of designations: 1vessel, 2suspension of graphene in the liquid, 3light emitter in the form of LED (LED array), 4transparent silicone for hermetic protection of LEDs, 5heat sink, 6space above the liquid surface, 7vent (hydrogen collection system), 8liquid filling valve, 9liquid supply system, 10body, 11power supply, 12controller (current controller), 13chamber;

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a device for producing hydrogen in capsules containing a liquid and graphene mixture based on laser diodes with emission to a side wall, a list of designations;

[0035] FIG. 5 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a device for producing hydrogen in containers containing a liquid and graphene mixture based on laser diodes with emission at the suspension surface;

[0036] FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a device for producing hydrogen in capsules containing a liquid and graphene mixture based on a halogen light bulb with a reflector with emission to a side wall;

[0037] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a device for producing hydrogen in capsules containing a liquid and graphene mixture based on a halogen light bulb with a reflector with emission at the suspension surface;

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a device for producing hydrogen in capsules containing a liquid and graphene mixture with a laser connected with the use of optical fiber;

[0039] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a device for producing hydrogen by exposure to sunlight.

[0040] According to the invention, the device in its basic configuration has tank 1, graphene and liquid suspension 2, optical system 3 for focusing a light beam from emitter 4, which can be a LED or laser (FIG. 1 variant A), or solar light (FIG. 1 variant B). It is preferred that additional sub-assemblies associated with the reaction tank are added to the device configuration, as shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description of Embodiments

[0041] The present invention is presented in more detail in an embodiment, which does not limit the scope thereof.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0042] Hydrogen generatorversion with LEDs.

[0043] The solutions known in the state of art are based on pressure tanks, supplied directly from a hydrogen tank, or from a hydrogen generator/electrolyzer. The solution according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 can be integrated within one system with replaceable capsules/tanks (tank system) as shown in FIG. 3, using LED illumination.

[0044] Capsule 1 with suspension 2 is placed inside (in the body of) device 10 containing elements necessary for the hydrogen production process. Preferably, the device comprises power supply 11 together with controller 12, which in its simplest version is a current (current time profile) regulator of LED 3 as the source of light initiating hydrogen formation. Preferably, LED 3 with heat sink 5 is placed, by means of mounting elements in chamber 13, so as to illuminate the bottom of capsule 1. The capsule is in cavity (chamber) 13 of the device ensuring its stable position. The hydrogen produced is transferred through outlet/vent (hydrogen collection system) 7. Spent liquid is filled through valve 8 connected to supply system 9.

[0045] The device can operate in the position as in FIG. 3, as well as in the position in which the device is rotated by 90 in any direction. Effective operation is impossible when the device is rotated by 180. Controller 4 may have suitable acceleration sensors to provide information about the orientation of the device.

Example 2

[0046] Hydrogen generatorversion with a laser.

[0047] The solution shown in FIG. 2 can be integrated within one system with replaceable capsules/tanks (tank system), as shown in FIG. 3, using laser diode illumination.

[0048] Capsule 1 with suspension 2 is placed inside (in the body of) device 10 containing elements necessary for the hydrogen production process. Preferably, the device comprises power supply 11 and controller 12, which may be placed inside an instrument with laser diode 3, the outgoing laser beam of which is focused on a side wall of capsule 1 with the use of optical system 14 (e.g., a collimator). Controller 12 in its simplest version is a regulator of current of the laser diode (laser diode current time profile), which diode is the source of light initiating hydrogen formation (FIG. 4). The capsule is in cavity (chamber) 13 of the device ensuring its stable position. Preferably, laser diode 3 is placed, by means of mounting elements of chamber 13, so as to illuminate a side wall of capsule 1. The hydrogen produced is transferred through outlet/vent (hydrogen collection system) 7.

[0049] The device can operate in the position as in FIG. 4, and its mirror reflection, as well as in the position in which the device is rotated by 90 clockwise. Then the laser beam illuminates the bottom of capsule 1.

[0050] Effective operation of the device is impossible when the device is rotated by 90 anticlockwise. Whereas the device cannot be rotated by 180 due to the problem with collecting the hydrogen produced (FIG. 1 element 7). Controller 12 may have suitable acceleration sensors to provide information about the orientation of the device.

Example 3

[0051] Hydrogen generatora version with a laser with emission at the suspension surface.

[0052] Capsule 1 with suspension 2 is placed inside (in the body of) device 10 containing elements necessary for the hydrogen production process. Preferably, the device comprises power supply 11 and controller 12, which may be placed inside an instrument with laser diode 3, the outgoing laser beam of which is focused on a side wall of the capsule, right at the suspension surface, with the use of optical system 14 (e.g., a collimator). Preferably, the laser is applied only to the surface of the suspension, without applying the laser deep into the suspension. Controller 12 in its simplest version is a regulator of the current of the laser diode (laser diode current time profile), which diode is the source of light initiating hydrogen formation. The capsule is in cavity (chamber) 13 of the device ensuring its stable position. Preferably, laser diode 3 is placed, by means of mounting elements of chamber 13, so as to illuminate only the surface of the suspension in capsule 1. The hydrogen produced is transferred through outlet/vent (hydrogen collection system) 7.

[0053] The device can operate in the position as in FIG. 5 and in its mirror reflection. Effective operation of the device is impossible when the device is rotated by 90 in any direction, and by 180. Controller 4 may have suitable acceleration sensors to provide information about the orientation of the device.

Example 4

[0054] Hydrogen generatora version with a halogen light bulb and a reflector.

[0055] The solution in FIG. 2 can be integrated within one system with replaceable capsules/tanks (tank system) shown in FIG. 6 using illumination with halogen light bulbs with an optical system and a reflector.

[0056] Capsule 1 with suspension 2 is placed inside (in the body of) device 10 containing elements necessary for the hydrogen production process. Preferably, the device comprises power supply 11 and controller 12, which may be placed inside an instrument with halogen light bulb 3, the outgoing white light beam of which is focused on a side wall of capsule 1 with the use of optical system 14 (e.g., a focusing lens). Controller 12 in its simplest version is a light bulb switch. Preferably, the controller comprises a regulator of electric power (time profile of the current flowing through the bulb), which is the source of light initiating hydrogen formation. The capsule is in cavity (chamber) 13 of the device ensuring its stable position. Preferably, halogen light bulb 3 comprises reflector 15 and is placed, by means of mounting elements in chamber 13, so as to illuminate a side wall of capsule 1. The hydrogen produced is transferred through outlet/vent (hydrogen collection system) 7.

[0057] The device can operate in the position as shown in FIG. 6, and in its mirror reflection, as well as in the position in which the device is rotated by 90 clockwise. Effective operation of the device is impossible when the device is rotated by 90 anticlockwise. However, the device cannot be rotated 180 due to the problem with collecting the hydrogen produced (FIG. 1 element 7). Controller 12 may have suitable acceleration sensors to provide information about the orientation of the device.

Example 5

[0058] Hydrogen generatora version with a halogen light bulb with a reflector and emission at the suspension surface.

[0059] Capsule 1 with suspension 2 is placed inside (in the body of) device 10 containing elements necessary for the hydrogen production process. Preferably, the device comprises power supply 11 and controller 12, which may be placed inside an instrument with halogen light bulb 3, the outgoing white light beam of which is focused on a side wall of the capsule, right at the suspension surface, with the use of optical system 14 (e.g., a focusing lens). Preferably, light is applied only to the suspension surface, or at the suspension surface, of capsule 1 with the use of optical system 14 (e.g., a focusing lens). Controller 12 in its simplest version is a light bulb switch. Preferably, the controller comprises a regulator of electric power (time profile of the current flowing through the bulb), which is the source of light initiating hydrogen formation. The capsule is in cavity (chamber) 13 of the device ensuring its stable position. Preferably, halogen light bulb 3 comprises reflector 15 and is placed, by means of mounting elements of chamber 13, so as to illuminate exclusively the suspension surface. The hydrogen produced is transferred through outlet/vent (hydrogen collection system) 7.

[0060] The device can operate in the position as shown in FIG. 7 and in its mirror reflection. Effective operation of the device is impossible when the device is rotated by in any direction, and by 180. Controller 12 may have suitable acceleration sensors to provide information about the orientation of the device.

Example 6

[0061] Hydrogen generatora version with a laser diode and optic fiber with emission at the suspension surface.

[0062] The solution in FIG. 2 can be integrated within a system with replaceable capsules/tanks (tank system) to which light energy, necessary to produce hydrogen, is supplied, with the use of optical fiber connected to a laser diode with a heat sink as shown in FIG. 8.

[0063] Capsule 1 with suspension 2 is placed inside (in the body of) device 10 containing elements necessary for the hydrogen production process. Preferably, the device comprises power supply 11 and controller 12, which may be placed inside an instrument with a laser diode with a heat sink and optical fiber connection. The laser beam from optical fiber 16, through optical fiber bushing 17 and final optical system 14, is focused right at the suspension surface. Preferably, the laser beam is applied only to the suspension surface, without applying the laser deep into the suspension. Controller 4 in its simplest version is a regulator of the current of the laser diode (laser diode current time profile), which diode is the source of light initiating hydrogen formation. The capsule is in cavity (chamber) 13 of the device ensuring its stable position. Preferably, laser diode 3 is placed, by means of mounting elements of chamber 13, so as to illuminate exclusively the suspension surface. The hydrogen produced is transferred through outlet/vent (hydrogen collection system) 7.

Example 7

[0064] Device for producing hydrogen by exposing the graphene and liquid suspension to sunlight.

[0065] A device for producing hydrogen by illuminating a graphene-containing liquid with sunlight is shown in FIG. 9. The tank (panel) with liquid and graphene suspension 1 is placed inside (in the body of) device 2 containing elements necessary for the hydrogen production process. A beam of light with the characteristics of solar light 3 falls on the elements of the device, which is also capable to supply control systems 4 with the use of this radiation. Preferably, the device comprises controller 4, monitoring the hydrogen production process, and regulating the efficiency of the setting of optical instruments 5, comprising a system of mirrors which are capable of creating hydrogen formation initiation points (A-Z) on the surface of the graphene and liquid suspension, as shown in FIG. 8. The tank (panel) with the suspension can be replaceable owing to the mechanism for mounting it inside the device. The hydrogen produced gets, through hydrogen collection system 7, under suitable pressure, to tank 7a. Preferably, suspension mixing system 6a is used in tank 1 to prevent the hydrogen produced from accumulating in the graphene.

[0066] The use of mixing systems can accelerate hydrogen production several times, compared to the version of the device without them.