An ultrasafe hydrogen generator: aqueous, alkaline borohydride solutions and Ru catalyst

A novel, simple, convenient, and safe chemical process generates high purity hydrogen gas on demand from stable, aqueous solutions of sodium borohydride, NaBH4, and ruthenium-based (Ru), catalyst. When NaBH4 solution contacts Ru catalyst, it spontaneously hydrolyzes to form H2 gas and sodium borate, a water-soluble, inert salt. When H2 is no longer required, Ru catalyst is removed from the solution and H2 generation stops. Since this H2 generator is safer, has quicker response to H2 demand, and is more efficient than commonly used H2 generators, it is ideal for portable applications.