Produção de hidrogênio por corrosão eletroquímica acelerada utilizando o ácido hexafluossilícico

Abstract

Because of increased consumption of natural resources and increased global energy demand, the search for technologies aimed at producing energy from renewable and non-polluting sources has become indispensable. These technologies will reduce economic dependence on fossil fuels, replacing current development with sustainable development without intensifying environmental damage. Due to the energy importance of the hydrogen gas, and its scarcity in nature, the production of hydrogen gas was proposed in this study. The purpose of this work is to use the acid electrochemical corrosion method to obtain hydrogen from steel (iron) in the form of steel wool, and the use of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hexafluosilicic acid (H2SiF6) . For the accomplishment of the experiments, was constructed a specific equipment, destined to the electrochemical corrosion of metals in acid medium, coupled to a system of measurement of gas produced. Two factorial designs were carried out, with three variables at two levels, one for the corrosion reaction with hydrochloric acid and the other for the corrosion reaction with hexafluosilicic acid. From these experimental designs, it was possible to analyze the influence and the statistical significance of each variable in the process. Hexafluosilicic acid was presented as an excellent substitute for hydrochloric acid, providing an economy of approximately 90%. In addition to generating large amounts of gas, this process promotes the reuse of a by-product of the fertilizer industry, with low commercial value and low utility, reusing it in the production of an extremely promising fuel through a spontaneous reaction.