High Efficiency in Clean Hydrogen Production Using Water and AlLi Phases Prepared by Mechanical Alloying.

Iturbe-García, José Luis; Alvarez-Acosta, Diana Laura

In this work, the results of clean hydrogen production from the direct chemical reaction between aluminum–lithium compounds and distilled water under normal conditions, without additives or catalysts, are presented. The material was prepared by mechanical alloying using a high-energy Spex-type mill in an Al20Li ratio. Relatively short milling times were programmed for the preparation of AlLi phases. Through this process, two phases (AlLi and Al8.9Li1.1) were identified, which react efficiently to produce clean hydrogen. The experiments demonstrate fast and self-sustained reactions between AlLi phases and distilled water. In both the phase preparation and hydrogen generation, 100% efficiency was achieved. The hydrolysis reaction occurred quickly, and the hydrogen volume generated was 1700 mL/g of material. Under these conditions, aluminum generates 1390 mL of hydrogen, and lithium generates 310 mL/g from both AlLi phases. A single by-product (LiAl2(OH)7·2H2O) was identified. According to the results and the conditions applied in this research, the hydrogen produced does not require prior purification and can therefore be used directly in fuel cells. The AlLi–water reaction is a promising process for generating hydrogen in a simple and relatively short time compared to other hydrogen production methods. In this process, no greenhouse gas emissions were produced.

GREENHOUSE gases; MECHANICAL alloying; HYDROGEN production; INTERSTITIAL hydrogen generation; LITHIUM hydroxide

Hydrogen, 2024, Vol 5, Issue 4, p987

2673-4141

Academic Journal

10.3390/hydrogen5040053