Feasibility of H2 Production by Acid Corrosion Using H2sif6 and Waste Fe Sources

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility of H2 production by acid corrosion, employing a by-product from the fertilizer industry (Hexafluorsilic acid - H2SiF6) and waste iron sources. Different masses of metal from three different sources: iron powder (waste from metal workshops), steel wool and rebar (construction waste), were reacted with various proportions of H2SiF6 with HCl. The influence of the variables was evaluated by factorial design, verifying greater production of H2 for materials with higher contact areas. The lowest production was observed for construction industry waste (rebar) probably due to the presence of protective films and lower contact area. The gas produced was analyzed by gas chromatography and was found to consist only of H2 (up to 99%) and air. The results indicate a promising application of H2SiF6, which is generated in large quantities during phosphate fertilizer production and has few commercial applications. The method proposed is promising, it does not emit toxic or polluting gases, contributing to the sustainable generation of H2.