Powerpaste

rdf:langString Powerpaste

rdf:langString Powerpaste is a magnesium- and hydrogen-based fluid gel that releases hydrogen when it reacts with water. It was invented, patented and is being developed by Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Dresden, Germany. Powerpaste is made by combining magnesium powder with hydrogen in a process conducted at 350 °C (662 °F) and five to six times atmospheric pressure to form magnesium hydride. An ester and a metal salt are then added to make the finished Powerpaste. When Powerpaste reacts with water it produces hydrogen in a predictable manner for use in fuel cells. The molecular formula of magnesium hydride reacting with water is MgH2 + 2H2O → 2H2 + Mg(OH)2, so half of the produced hydrogen comes from the Powerpaste and half from the water. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is a residue by-product created by this process. Fraunhofer claims that Powerpaste is able to store hydrogen energy at 10 times the energy density of a lithium battery of a similar dimension and substantially more than compressed hydrogen at 700 bar and is safe and convenient for automotive situations. Fraunhofer states that they are building a production plant slated to start production in 2021, which will produce 4 tons of Powerpaste annually. Fraunhofer has patented their invention in the USA and EU.