Here's an idea for a magnesium-air fuel cell. Suspended a magnesium anode in a salt-water electrolyte solution that is encased in a lightweight polymer container, which provides the unit with an indefinite shelf life. You could use common saline (salt) solution or ocean water as the electrolyte solution. It would be more feasible to develop a better solution for enhanced power performance. The anode will be made of pure magnesium metal or an alloy of magnesium-aluminium-zinc. AZ31 is commercially available. The cathode will be a multi-layered laminate consisting of a current collector of nickel mesh and carbon layers, one on each side of the current collector with a porous Teflon film on the air side. This cathode will allow oxygen to pass through to the electrolyte.

Electrons are formed at the anode:
Anode Mg++ + 2e- Mg*
OH- ions are produced at the cathode and electrons are consumed:

Cathode 1/2O2 + H2O + 2e- 2OH-
The net cell electrochemical reaction is:
Magnesium + Water + Oxygen Reaction products (magnesium hydroxide) + power.

The key will be to control the formation of hydrogen whereas efficiency is increased resulting in the reduction of power consumption and energy savings.

It will be environmentally benign and safe to use. It creates no toxic substances or disposal concerns. It will have a virtually infinite shelf life – just add the electrolyte at any time and the full potential of the magnesium power is available to generate instant electricity upon demand. It does not consume fossil fuels.

This could be used as a viable primary, secondary or emergency power source for the residential, commercial or industrial markets.

Any thoughts? Chemists?

Seems it is ready for commercial development: http://magpowersystems.com/fuel_cells.htm

Peace.

Goofyfish

Killjoy! :mad:

I was going to post that link once a few responses came in. :D

Whooooops! My bad!! Sorry!

Peace.

There is plenty of magnesium in Salt Lake (Utah). But it is slightly expensive to produce than Aluminum. They both use lots of electricity to produce. So, not a good solution except for emergency power in the wilderness. I think Sodium borohydride may be more energy efficient.