Catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride in an integrated reactor for hydrogen generation

Chemical hydrides, such as sodium borohydride (NaBH4)(NaBH4), offer promising gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage densities. The overall system energy density depends on the reactor performance. In this study, a novel intergrated reactor design in which catalyst bed is integrated with a heat exchanger for autothermal operation showed significant improvements in reactor performance. Over 200% enhancement in reactor throughput was achieved with the integrated reactor at 99% fuel conversion with constant reaction temperature profiles over a wide range of fuel flow rates. Impacts of improved performance on system operation and overall energy density of chemical hydride based hydrogen storage system were also discussed.