Method for producing a borohydride
A method for producing a borohydride is described that includes the steps of providing a source of borate; providing a material that chemically reduces the source of the borate to produce a borohydride; and reacting the source of the borate and the material by supplying heat at a temperature that substantially effects the production of the borohydride.
1. A method for producing a borohydride, comprising:
heating a reaction mixture comprising a source of borate, at least one source of hydrogen and one or more of:
a reactive metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, chromium, silicon, tantalum, vanadium, and zirconium, and alloys thereof; and
a carbonaceous material.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein heating a reaction mixture comprises heating the reaction mixture to a temperature that results in combustion of the one or more of the reactive metal and the carbonaceous material.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein heating a reaction mixture comprises heating the reaction mixture without substantially combusting the one or more of the reactive metal and the carbonaceous material.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein heating a reaction mixture comprising a source of borate, a source of hydrogen and one or more of: a reactive metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, chromium, silicon, tantalum, vanadium, and zirconium, and alloys thereof; and a carbonaceous material comprises heating a reaction mixture comprising a source of borate, a source of hydrogen and a mixture of the one or more of the reactive metal and the carbonaceous material.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising supplying at least a portion of the reaction mixture to each of a first reactor and a second reactor, wherein heating the at least a portion of the reaction mixture occurs in the first reactor and the second reactor.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
coupling the first reactor in heat receiving relation relative to an electrical generation facility, wherein the electrical generation facility, during operation, generates heat as a byproduct, and further generates a source of electricity; and
coupling the source of electricity to the second reactor to facilitate the formation of a high temperature plasma.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising coupling the source of electricity to the first reactor to increase a temperature of the second reactor.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the first reactor is exposed to a temperature of less than about 1000° C., and the second reactor is exposed to a temperature of greater than about 1000° C.