Production of hydrogen in the reaction between aluminum and water in the presence of NaOH and KOH

Abstract

The objective of this work is to investigate the production of hydrogen as an energy source by meansof the reaction of aluminum with water. This reaction only occurs in the presence of NaOH and KOH, whichbehave as catalysts. The main advantages of using aluminum for indirect energy storage are: recyclability, nontoxicityand easiness to shape. Alkali concentrations varying from 1 to 3 mol.L -1 were applied to differentmetallic samples, either foil (0.02 mm thick) or plates (0.5 and 1 mm thick), and reaction temperatures between295 and 345 K were tested. The results show that the reaction is strongly influenced by temperature, alkaliconcentration and metal shape. NaOH commonly promotes faster reactions and higher real yields than KOH.