FUEL FOR LIFE: ALUMINUM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION BY HYDROGEN

The novel energy generation, by means of a unique hydrogen production method, creates an opportunity to tackle some important social and environmental factors that determine our sustainable development and personal health. Hydrogen can be produced from a spontaneous chemical reaction in an Al-water system, at a relatively low cost, by bringing aluminum and water into contact, with sodium hydroxide as the catalyst and using an energy source derived from aluminum waste. In our experiments, hydrogen of extremely high-purity was obtained and was used in commercial fuel cell facilities to produce electricity. The hydrogen was produced from recyclable material without supplementary energy and with almost no air pollution. We propose that aluminum technologies for fuel cells could become an integral part of the solution for an economical, clean, low-polluting source of energy. The process is lightweight and largely recyclable and offers opportunities for the commercialization of multiple technologies.