Method and apparatus for generating hydrogen

• US 20050016840A1
• Filed: 06/18/2004
• Published: 01/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Phillip J. Petillo
• Original Assignee: Phillip J. Petillo
• Inventors: Petillo, Phillip J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,513,978 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 204/248
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 1/02 Hydrogen or oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 5/00 Electrogenerative processes, i.e. processes for producing compounds in which electricity is generated simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/065 by dissolution of metals or alloys; by dehydriding metallic substances
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/0656 by electrochemical means H01M8/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells

Abstract

An electro-galvanic hydrogen generator system that has two or more anode materials; a cathode material; and an electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, and a solvent. Hydrogen gas is generated whenever an anode material and the cathode material are electrically connected, and the different anode materials can be used separately or in combination to control the quantity and rate of hydrogen generation. An insulating shield may be used to catch reaction debris from the anodes. A removable inert layer may cover the electrodes. The use of cell pressure may regulate the rate of hydrogen generation. The hydrogen generator may have a separate catalyst chamber, and the hydrogen generator may also function as a battery.

Claims

1. A hydrogen generator comprising at least two anodes;

at least one cathode; and

an electrolyte;

wherein said anodes are formed from different materials;

wherein the electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, and a solvent; and

wherein hydrogen gas is generated whenever at least one anode is electrically connected to the cathode.

2. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein an insulating shield covers at least part of a surface of the cathode, and wherein the insulating shield prevents reaction debris from the at least two anodes from making electrical contact with the cathode.

3. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein an inert coating is disposed on a surface of at least one cathode or anode, and means for removing the inert coating, wherein hydrogen gas is generated whenever an anode is electrically connected to the cathode by the removal of at least part of the inert coating.

4. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the electrolyte further comprises a solute, and wherein hydrogen gas and an electrical current is generated when the at least one anode is electrically connected to the cathode.

5. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the metal hydride includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of NaBH₄ (sodium borohydride), LiBH₄ (lithium borohydride), KBH₄ (potassium borohydride), NH₄BH₄ (ammonium borohydride), (CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄ (tetramethyl ammonium borohydride ((CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄), NaAlH₄, LiAlH₄, KAlH₄, NaGaH₄, LiGaH₄, KGaH₄ and quaternary borohydrides.

6. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the at least one stabilizing agent includes a corresponding hydroxide of a cation part of the metal hydride.

7. The hydrogen generator of claim 6 wherein the hydroxide includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

8. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the solvent is water.

9. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein one or more electrode materials are selected from the group consisting of the lanthanide metals, the actinide metals, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, beryllium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, silicon, iron, nickel and zirconium, and any combination thereof.

10. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein at least one electrode is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl₄), aluminum boron, silicon iron alloys, sodium hydroxide, sodium compounds, sodium amalgams, gallium mercury amalgams, copper, zirconium alloys, zirconium amalgams, zirconium compounds, graphite particles, graphite mixed with metal particles, carbon granules, carbon granules mixed with metal particles, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles mixed with metal particles, carbon nanofibers mixed with metal particles, silver-impregnated graphite, nickel beryllium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, silver alloys, and nickel-cobalt-iron alloys, and any combination thereof.

11. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the cathode is disposed on an inside surface of a container and the at least two anodes are disposed within the container, and wherein at least one anode is fabricated from a carbon rod;

a commercially available motor brush;

a commercially available motor brush impregnated with metal;

a graphite or carbon screen;

a tube twisted, wrapped or braided from metal wire;

a commercially available wire brush;

a plastic brush, electro-plated, sputter-coated or otherwise covered with anode material;

a porous material, metal or plastic wool-like material;

a plastic foam coated with anode material;

an expanded material;

a mesh;

a cloth;

a woven material;

a honeycomb sheet;

a perforated sheet;

or a plastic.

12. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the electrolyte is stabilized and thickened by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of glycols, glycerin, glycerol, graphite, water soluble oils, lecithin, silica gels, calcium gels, synthetic or natural carboxy methyl starches, anisotropic materials, gelatin, diboron trioxide, boric anhydride, water-soluble hydrophobic beads, layers, etc., water-soluble polymers, synthetic fibers, pulp, textile fibers, fabrics, pulp, wetting agents, surfactants, flocculants, michelle formulation, carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, cationics, ethylene oxides, combinations of anionic and cationic solubilizing groups, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, polyoxethylene, surfactants (ethoxylates), amphoteric surfactants, imidazolium derivatives and the like;

synthetic water-soluble resins; and

an ionized water-metal borohydride amalgam, and any combination thereof.

13. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the electrical connection is made between at least one of the at least one anodes and the cathode using an electrical circuit comprising at least one of a switch or a variable resistor configured to control a rate and quantity of hydrogen generated by connecting different combinations of the at least one anodes and the cathode.

14. The hydrogen generator of claim 13 wherein the at least one switch or resistor is controlled by at least one semiconductor device or computer.

15. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the conductivity of said electrolyte is increased by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of salts, acids, graphite and carbon nanofibers, and any combination thereof.

16. The hydrogen generator of claim 1 wherein the cathode is disposed on the inside of a container, and wherein the at least two anodes are disposed within said container.

17. The hydrogen generator of claim 16 wherein the at least two anodes are formed from tubes comprising an anode material, and wherein said tubes are fixed at their ends to a cap that seals said container.

18. The hydrogen generator of claim 16 wherein the at least two anodes are formed from tubes containing an anode material, and wherein said tubes are fixed at their ends to a cap that seals said container.

19. A hydrogen generator comprising at least one anode;

a cathode;

an insulating shield covering at least part of a surface of the cathode; and

an electrolyte;

wherein the electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, and a solvent;

wherein hydrogen gas is generated whenever an anode is electrically connected to the cathode; and

wherein the insulating shield prevents reaction debris from the at least one anode from making electrical contact with the cathode.

20. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein the insulating shield is formed from an epoxy or plastic coating applied to the at least part of the surface of the cathode.

21. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein the insulating shield is a removable receptacle.

22. The hydrogen generator of claim 21 wherein the removable receptacle is made from Teflon, neoprene or a chemically resistant plastic.

23. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein the electrolyte further comprises a solute, and wherein hydrogen gas and an electrical current is generated when the at least one anode is electrically connected to the cathode.

24. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 the metal hydride includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of NaBH₄ (sodium borohydride), LiBH₄ (lithium borohydride), KBH₄ (potassium borohydride), NH₄BH₄ (ammonium borohydride), (CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄ (tetramethyl ammonium borohydride ((CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄), NaAlH₄, LiAlH₄, KAlH₄, NaGaH₄, LiGaH₄, KGaH₄ and quaternary borohydrides.

25. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein the at least one stabilizing agent includes a corresponding hydroxide of a cation part of the metal hydride.

26. The hydrogen generator of claim 25 wherein the hydroxide includes one or more of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

27. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein the solvent is water.

28. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein one or more electrode materials are selected from the group consisting of the lanthanide metals, the actinide metals, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, beryllium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, silicon, iron, nickel and zirconium, and any combination thereof.

29. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein at least one electrode is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl₄), aluminum boron, silicon iron alloys, sodium hydroxide, sodium compounds, sodium amalgams, gallium mercury amalgams, copper, zirconium alloys, zirconium amalgams, zirconium compounds, graphite particles, graphite mixed with metal particles, carbon granules, carbon granules mixed with metal particles, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles mixed with metal particles, carbon nanofibers mixed with metal particles, silver-impregnated graphite, nickel beryllium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, silver alloys, and nickel-cobalt-iron alloys, and any combination thereof.

30. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein the cathode is disposed on an inside surface of a container and the anodes is disposed within the container, and wherein the anode is a carbon rod;

a commercially available motor brush;

a commercially available motor brush impregnated with metal;

a graphite or carbon screen;

a tube twisted, wrapped or braided from metal wire;

a commercially available wire brush;

a plastic brush, electro-plated, sputter-coated or otherwise covered with anode material;

a porous material, metal or plastic wool-like material;

a plastic foam coated with anode material;

an expanded material;

a mesh;

a cloth;

a woven material;

a honeycomb sheet;

a perforated sheet;

or a plastic.

31. The hydrogen generator of claim 19 wherein the electrolyte is stabilized and thickened by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of glycols, glycerin, glycerol, graphite, water soluble oils, lecithin, silica gels, calcium gels, synthetic or natural carboxy methyl starches, anisotropic materials, gelatin, diboron trioxide, boric anhydride, water-soluble hydrophobic beads, layers, etc., water-soluble polymers, synthetic fibers, pulp, textile fibers, fabrics, pulp, wetting agents, surfactants, flocculants, michelle formulation, carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, cationics, ethylene oxides, combinations of anionic and cationic solubilizing groups, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, polyoxethylene, surfactants (ethoxylates), amphoteric surfactants, imidazolium derivatives and the like;

synthetic water-soluble resins; and

an ionized water-metal borohydride amalgam, and any combination thereof.

32. A hydrogen generator comprising at least one anode;

a cathode;

an inert coating disposed on a surface of at least one cathode or anode;

a means for removing the inert coating; and

an electrolyte;

wherein the electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, and a solvent; and

wherein hydrogen gas is generated whenever an anode is electrically connected to the cathode by the removal of at least part of the inert coating.

33. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the inert coating is a friable resin or wax.

34. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the inert coating is disposed on an outer surface of a cylindrical electrode, and wherein the means for removing the inert coating comprises a ring disposed around said cylindrical electrode, whereby sliding said ring lengthwise along said outer surface of said electrode removes said inert coating from said outer surface.

35. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the inert coating is disposed on an outer surface of a rotatable cylindrical electrode, and wherein the means for removing the inert coating comprises a scraper disposed against the outer surface of said cylindrical electrode, whereby rotating said cylindrical electrode with respect to said scraper removes said inert coating from said outer surface.

36. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the electrolyte further comprises a solute, and wherein hydrogen gas and an electrical current is generated when the at least one anode is electrically connected to the cathode.

37. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the metal hydride includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of NaBH₄ (sodium borohydride), LiBH₄ (lithium borohydride), KBH₄ (potassium borohydride), NH₄BH₄ (ammonium borohydride), (CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄ (tetramethyl ammonium borohydride ((CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄), NaAlH₄, LiAlH₄, KAlH₄, NaGaH₄, LiGaH₄, KGaH₄ and quaternary borohydrides.

38. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the at least one stabilizing agent includes a corresponding hydroxide of a cation part of the metal hydride.

39. The hydrogen generator of claim 38 wherein the hydroxide includes one or more of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

40. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the solvent is water.

41. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein one or more electrode materials are selected from the group consisting of the lanthanide metals, the actinide metals, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, beryllium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, silicon, iron, nickel and zirconium, and any combination thereof.

42. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein at least one electrode is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl₄), aluminum boron, silicon iron alloys, sodium hydroxide, sodium compounds, sodium amalgams, gallium mercury amalgams, copper, zirconium alloys, zirconium amalgams, zirconium compounds, graphite particles, graphite mixed with metal particles, carbon granules, carbon granules mixed with metal particles, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles mixed with metal particles, carbon nanofibers mixed with metal particles, silver-impregnated graphite, nickel beryllium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, silver alloys, and nickel-cobalt-iron alloys, and any combination thereof.

43. The hydrogen generator of claim 32 wherein the electrolyte is stabilized and thickened by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of glycols, glycerin, glycerol, graphite, water soluble oils, lecithin, silica gels, calcium gels, synthetic or natural carboxy methyl starches, anisotropic materials, gelatin, diboron trioxide, boric anhydride, water-soluble hydrophobic beads, layers, etc., water-soluble polymers, synthetic fibers, pulp, textile fibers, fabrics, pulp, wetting agents, surfactants, flocculants, michelle formulation, carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, cationics, ethylene oxides, combinations of anionic and cationic solubilizing groups, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, polyoxethylene, surfactants (ethoxylates), amphoteric surfactants, imidazolium derivatives and the like;

synthetic water-soluble resins; and

an ionized water-metal borohydride amalgam, and any combination thereof.

44. A hydrogen generator comprising an anode;

a cathode;

an electrolyte;

wherein the electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, and a solvent;

wherein hydrogen gas is generated whenever the anode is electrically connected to the cathode;

further comprising means for contacting the anode with the electrolyte;

wherein at least a portion of the anode is removed from the electrolyte as hydrogen pressure increases, and reintroduced into the electrolyte as hydrogen pressure decreases, thereby regulating a rate at which hydrogen is produced.

45. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 further comprising a conduit for removing hydrogen, and wherein the means for contacting the anode with the electrolyte comprises an air cylinder with a movable plunger and spring disposed within the body of the cylinder to oppose displacement of the plunger away from an equilibrium position.

46. The hydrogen generator of claim 45 further comprising a catalyst material attached to said anode whereby immersion of the anode in the electrolyte initiates the production of hydrogen.

47. The hydrogen generator of claim 46 wherein catalyst is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ru and Pd, or any combination thereof.

48. the hydrogen generator of claim 45 wherein the hydrogen gas passing through said conduit also passes through a hydrophobic filter.

49. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the electrolyte further comprises a solute, and wherein hydrogen gas and an electrical current is generated when the anode is electrically connected to the cathode.

50. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the metal hydride includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of NaBH₄ (sodium borohydride), LiBH₄ (lithium borohydride), KBH₄ (potassium borohydride), NH₄BH₄ (ammonium borohydride), (CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄ (tetramethyl ammonium borohydride ((CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄), NaAlH₄, LiAlH₄, KAlH₄, NaGaH₄, LiGaH₄, KGaH₄ and quaternary borohydrides.

51. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the at least one stabilizing agent includes a corresponding hydroxide of a cation part of the metal hydride.

52. The hydrogen generator of claim 51 wherein the hydroxide includes one or more of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

53. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the solvent is water.

54. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein one or more electrode materials are selected from the group consisting of the lanthanide metals, the actinide metals, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, beryllium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, silicon, iron, nickel and zirconium, and any combination thereof.

55. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein at least one electrode is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl₄), aluminum boron, silicon iron alloys, sodium hydroxide, sodium compounds, sodium amalgams, gallium mercury amalgams, copper, zirconium alloys, zirconium amalgams, zirconium compounds, graphite particles, graphite mixed with metal particles, carbon granules, carbon granules mixed with metal particles, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles mixed with metal particles, carbon nanofibers mixed with metal particles, silver-impregnated graphite, nickel beryllium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, silver alloys, and nickel-cobalt-iron alloys, and any combination thereof.

56. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the cathode is disposed on an inside surface of a container and the anode is disposed within the container, and wherein the anode is fabricated from a carbon rod;

a commercially available motor brush;

a commercially available motor brush impregnated with metal;

a graphite or carbon screen;

a tube twisted, wrapped or braided from metal wire;

a commercially available wire brush;

a plastic brush, electro-plated, sputter-coated or otherwise covered with anode material;

a porous material, metal or plastic wool-like material;

a plastic foam coated with anode material;

an expanded material;

a mesh;

a cloth;

a woven material;

a honeycomb sheet;

a perforated sheet;

or a plastic.

57. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the electrolyte is stabilized and thickened by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of glycols, glycerin, glycerol, graphite, water soluble oils, lecithin, silica gels, calcium gels, synthetic or natural carboxy methyl starches, anisotropic materials, gelatin, diboron trioxide, boric anhydride, water-soluble hydrophobic beads, layers, etc., water-soluble polymers, synthetic fibers, pulp, textile fibers, fabrics, pulp, wetting agents, surfactants, flocculants, michelle formulation, carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, cationics, ethylene oxides, combinations of anionic and cationic solubilizing groups, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, polyoxethylene, surfactants (ethoxylates), amphoteric surfactants, imidazolium derivatives and the like;

synthetic water-soluble resins; and

an ionized water-metal borohydride amalgam, and any combination thereof.

58. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the electrical connection is made between the anode and the cathode using an electrical circuit comprising at least one of a switch or a variable resistor configured to control a rate and quantity of hydrogen generated.

59. The hydrogen generator of claim 58 wherein the at least one switch or resistor is controlled by a semiconductor device or computer.

60. The hydrogen generator of claim 44 wherein the conductivity of said electrolyte is increased by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of salts, acids, graphite and carbon nanofibers, and any combination thereof.

61. A hydrogen generator comprising at least one anode;

at least one cathode;

an electrolyte;

wherein the electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, and a solvent;

wherein hydrogen gas is generated whenever at least one anode is electrically connected to at least one cathode;

wherein said generated hydrogen causes the electrolyte to be introduced into a catalyst chamber; and

wherein said electrolyte is reacted with said catalyst to form hydrogen.

62. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein a check valve is interposed between said catalyst chamber and said at least one anode and at least one cathode, wherein said check valve is configured to prevent passage of hydrogen generated in the catalyst chamber, wherein a spent electrolyte container is disposed to receive reacted electrolyte and hydrogen from said catalyst chamber, and wherein the spent electrolyte container is provided with a pressure relief valve, a conduit for extracting generated hydrogen and a drain for extracting spent electrolyte.

63. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein sacrificial metal electrodes selected from the group consisting of Al, Zn and Mg, and any combination thereof, are used to generate the hydrogen which causes the electrolyte to be introduced into the catalyst chamber.

64. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein the electrolyte further comprises a solute, and wherein hydrogen gas and an electrical current is generated when the at least one anode is electrically connected to the cathode.

65. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein the metal hydride includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of NaBH₄ (sodium borohydride), LiBH₄ (lithium borohydride), KBH₄ (potassium borohydride), NH₄BH₄ (ammonium borohydride), (CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄ (tetramethyl ammonium borohydride ((CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄), NaAlH₄, LiAlH₄, KAlH₄, NaGaH₄, LiGaH₄, KGaH₄ and quaternary borohydrides.

66. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein the at least one stabilizing agent includes a corresponding hydroxide of a cation part of the metal hydride.

67. The hydrogen generator of claim 66 wherein the hydroxide includes one or more of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

68. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein the solvent is water.

69. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein one or more electrode materials are selected from the group consisting of the lanthanide metals, the actinide metals, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, beryllium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, silicon, iron, nickel and zirconium, and any combination thereof.

70. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein at least one electrode is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl₄), aluminum boron, silicon iron alloys, sodium hydroxide, sodium compounds, sodium amalgams, gallium mercury amalgams, copper, zirconium alloys, zirconium amalgams, zirconium compounds, graphite particles, graphite mixed with metal particles, carbon granules, carbon granules mixed with metal particles, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles mixed with metal particles, carbon nanofibers mixed with metal particles, silver-impregnated graphite, nickel beryllium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, silver alloys, and nickel-cobalt-iron alloys, and any combination thereof.

71. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein at least one anode is fabricated from a carbon rod;

a commercially available motor brush;

a commercially available motor brush impregnated with metal;

a graphite or carbon screen;

a tube twisted, wrapped or braided from metal wire;

a commercially available wire brush;

a plastic brush, electro-plated, sputter-coated or otherwise covered with anode material;

a porous material, metal or plastic wool-like material;

a plastic foam coated with anode material;

an expanded material;

a mesh;

a cloth;

a woven material;

a honeycomb sheet;

a perforated sheet;

or a plastic.

72. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein the electrical connection is made between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode using an electrical circuit comprising at least one of a switch or variable resistor configured to control a rate and quantity of hydrogen generated by connecting different combinations of at least one of the at least one anodes and at least one of the at least one cathodes.

73. The hydrogen generator of claim 72 wherein the at least one switch or variable resistor is controlled by a semiconductor device or computer.

74. The hydrogen generator of claim 61 wherein the conductivity of said electrolyte is increased by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of salts, acids, graphite and carbon nanofibers, and any combination thereof.

75. A hydrogen generator battery comprising at least one anode;

a cathode; and

an electrolyte;

wherein the electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, a solute, and a solvent;

wherein hydrogen gas and an electrical current is generated when the at least one anode is electrically connected to the cathode.

76. The hydrogen generator battery of claim 75 wherein the solute comprises a salt, an acid or a silicate.

77. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the electrolyte further comprises a solute, and wherein hydrogen gas and an electrical current is generated when at least one of the at least one anodes is electrically connected to the cathode.

78. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the metal hydride includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of NaBH₄ (sodium borohydride), LiBH₄ (lithium borohydride), KBH₄ (potassium borohydride), NH₄BH₄ (ammonium borohydride), (CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄ (tetramethyl ammonium borohydride ((CH₃)₄NH₄BH₄), NaAlH₄, LiAlH₄, KAlH₄, NaGaH₄, LiGaH₄, KGaH₄ and quaternary borohydrides.

79. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the at least one stabilizing agent includes a corresponding hydroxide of a cation part of the metal hydride.

80. The hydrogen generator of claim 79 wherein the hydroxide includes one or more of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

81. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the solvent is water.

82. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein one or more electrode materials are selected from the group consisting of the lanthanide metals, the actinide metals, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, beryllium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, silicon, iron, nickel and zirconium, and any combination thereof.

83. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein at least one electrode is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄), zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl₄), aluminum boron, silicon iron alloys, sodium hydroxide, sodium compounds, sodium amalgams, gallium mercury amalgams, copper, zirconium alloys, zirconium amalgams, zirconium compounds, graphite particles, graphite mixed with metal particles, carbon granules, carbon granules mixed with metal particles, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles mixed with metal particles, carbon nanofibers mixed with metal particles, silver-impregnated graphite, nickel beryllium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys, silver alloys, and nickel-cobalt-iron alloys, and any combination thereof.

84. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the cathode is disposed on an inside surface of a container and the at least one anode is disposed within the container, and wherein the at least one anode is fabricated from a carbon rod;

a commercially available motor brush;

a commercially available motor brush impregnated with metal;

a graphite or carbon screen;

a tube twisted, wrapped or braided from metal wire;

a commercially available wire brush;

a plastic brush, electro-plated, sputter-coated or otherwise covered with anode material;

a porous material, metal or plastic wool-like material;

a plastic foam coated with anode material;

an expanded material;

a mesh;

a cloth;

a woven material;

a honeycomb sheet;

a perforated sheet;

or a plastic.

85. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the electrolyte is stabilized and thickened by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of glycols, glycerin, glycerol, graphite, water soluble oils, lecithin, silica gels, calcium gels, synthetic or natural carboxy methyl starches, anisotropic materials, gelatin, diboron trioxide, boric anhydride, water-soluble hydrophobic beads, layers, etc., water-soluble polymers, synthetic fibers, pulp, textile fibers, fabrics, pulp, wetting agents, surfactants, flocculants, michelle formulation, carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, cationics, ethylene oxides, combinations of anionic and cationic solubilizing groups, anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, polyoxethylene, surfactants (ethoxylates), amphoteric surfactants, imidazolium derivatives and the like;

synthetic water-soluble resins; and

an ionized water-metal borohydride amalgam, and any combination thereof.

86. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the electrical connection is made between at least one of the at least one anodes and the cathode using an electrical circuit comprising at least one of a switch or a variable resistor configured to control a rate and quantity of hydrogen generated by connecting different combinations of the at least one of the at least one anodes and the cathode.

87. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the at least one switch or variable resistor is controlled by at least one of a semiconductor device or computer.

88. The hydrogen generator of claim 75 wherein the conductivity of said electrolyte is increased by the addition of a material selected from the group consisting of salts, acids, graphite and carbon nanofibers, and any combination thereof.