Formation of hydrogen from oxidation of Mg, Mg alloys and mixture with Ni, Co, Cu and Fe in aqueous salt solutions

We have investigated the oxidation processes of Mg, Mg alloys with Ni, Co, Cu and powdered mixtures of these metals obtained from mechanical treatment of individual components in orbital mill, in aqueous solutions of alkali and alkaline earth metals. It was demonstrated that nearly stoichiometric amount of hydrogen in respect to Mg can be obtained at production rates of up to 640 mL/g min by oxidation of Mg–Co alloy or mechanically processed Mg–Co powder (“mechanical alloy”) in aqueous solutions of Na or K chlorides. Activator metals are not oxidized during this reaction. It is assumed that Mg oxidation is similar to the electrochemical corrosion process.