THE MOST EFFICIENT CORROSION INHIBITORS FOR ALUMINUM ANODE OF ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL USED AS A CONTROLLED HYDROGEN GENERATOR

In this article the authors have presented the results of the research into the development of the most efficient anode-electrolyte combination for a hydronic electrochemical cell fitted with an aluminum anode, designed on the basis of the H2O/Al, electrochemical system, and viewed as both a current generator and a source of hydrogen as an end product. We have demonstrated that the A995 grade aluminum should be used as the anode for hydronic electrochemical cells used as hydrogen generators, because the grade in question has slower corrosion rate when submerged in alkaline solutions, compared with alloys that contain an activating indium additive. We have found that 4M NaOH + 12g/L tartrate ion + 1.6g/L CaO and 4M KOH + 12g/L tartrate ions are the most efficient for hydronic electrochemical cells fitted with A995 aluminum anodes and containing 4M NaOH and KOH-based alkaline electrolytes. We have demonstrated that the former electrolyte is better in terms of inhibiting corrosion of the A995 aluminum anode, while the latter one is better in terms of both polarizations of the A995 anode and the total output performance, and can be recommended for use in hydronic electrochemical cells.