Mechanism of hydrogen generation from low melting point elements (Ga, In, Sn) on aluminum alloy hydrolysis

The reaction of aluminum water to produce hydrogen is prevented by an alumina film. To prepare a kind of aluminum alloy with instant hydrogen production and high hydrogen yield, this paper investigates the effect of different Ga content and In–Sn ratio on the hydrogen production performance of aluminum alloy, and also observes the effect of hydrogen production at different temperatures. The composition, structure, and thermal properties are observed by Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. With different ratios of In and Sn, they appear as two intermetallic compounds, In3Sn and InSn4. When Ga, In, and Sn were added to aluminum together, the hydrolytic properties of the Al-Ga-In-Sn alloys are greatly improved. The paper finally prepared an aluminum alloy with a hydrogen conversion rate of more than 98% and activation energy of 39.2 kJ/mol. Further the development and utilization of hydrogen energy are promoted.