Optimization of Mg Scraps Hydrolysis for Hydrogen Generation Using HCl: Experimental and Simulation

Abstract Worldwide concerns on environmental pollution and the need for clean energy supply have attracted researchers’ interest for power generation using technology which not only is a clean technology but also utilizes the Mg scrap waste, a part of solid waste from electronic and automobile industries. The Mg scraps have been used for the hydrogen generation via hydrolysis. In an attempt we conducted the experimental study and optimization of hydrolysis of Mg scraps waste in the presence of HCl to generate hydrogen. This work optimizes the process of using Mg scraps to produce H2, Mg(OH)2 and MgCl2. The effect of different concentration of HCl on hydrolysis was studied to find the optimum concentration for the hydrogen generation. The most influencing parameters such as acid concentration of solution was selected and studied. The kinetic behaviour was analysed to determine the effect of different HCl concentration on hydrogen generation pattern. Numerical modeling was performed considering the chemical reaction using ReaxFF. The effect of the selected parameters on the system and the hydrogen concentration were investigated to predict the performance of the hydrolysis of Mg scraps in the designed reactor. This study proposes an eco-efficient method as it utilizes the Mg waste to produce hydrogen which is an energy carrier.