International Journal of Energy Research, Vol.37, No.13, 1624-1634, 2013
Hydrogen generation by splitting water with Al-Li alloys
In order to prevent the inert alumina film from forming on the surface of Al metal particles, Li is added into Al to form Al-Li alloy. It can improve the reactivity of Al with water. The prepared Al-Li alloy can rapidly split water to produce hydrogen. With increasing Li content of alloy, the hydrogen generation rate is promoted. The ultimate hydrogen yields of samples can reach 100%. The effect of initial water temperature on the hydrogen generation has been investigated. Even in the water at 0 degrees C, hydrogen can also be produced rapidly. Composition of solution has some effect on the hydrogen generation. Especially, Mg2+ or NO3- has negative influence on the hydrogen generation and can reduce the ultimate hydrogen yield of alloy. Longer air exposure time will also decrease the ultimate hydrogen yield. After reaction, Al and Li enter into the residue in the form of LiAl2(OH)(7)2H(2)O and LiAl2(OH)(7)xH(2)O or Al(OH)(3). After calcinations, these reaction by-products can be easily recycled by existing metallurgical process. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.