Nitridation-activated Al flakes for hydrogen generation on-demand

The on-demand generation of hydrogen from aluminium particles can be a promising approach to alleviate air pollution from town gas production facilities during peak operation periods. Overcoming the challenges of disrupting the protective alumina film on aluminium particles without using highly corrosive alkaline solutions, energy-intensive processes, or expensive metal additives is crucial. This study reports the hydrolysis of aluminium flakes with gamma-alumina (γAl₂O₃) and aluminium nitride (AlN) nano inclusions in distilled water. We optimised the growth of these active inclusions via calcination of aluminium flakes in a semi-permeable steel chamber at temperatures ranging from 843 to 903 K. The optimal activation process triggers hydrogen release by hydrolysing AlN within the activated flakes at moderate temperatures (313−353 K). Additionally, we study the synthesis of mesoporous γAl₂O₃ particles from hydrolysis by-products and explore the potential for harnessing waste heat and ammonium solution in town gas production.