Feasibility of on-board hydrogen production from hydrolysis of Al–Fe alloy for PEMFCs

The feasibility of using the hydrolysis of Al alloys in an on-board hydrogen generation system for PEMFCs is investigated. Hydrogen produced by the hydrolysis of Al–Fe alloys is supplied directly to a PEMFC. The weight-normalized hydrogen generation rate of sheet Al–1Fe is higher than that of cubic Al–1Fe alloy, and its hydrogen generation rate changes little during hydrolysis in alkali water. Furthermore, during the hydrolysis reaction, the water temperature is stable. Hence, Al–1Fe in sheet form is suitable as a source for on-board hydrogen production from hydrolysis in alkali water. At a current of 10 A, the PEMFC presents a voltage of about 0.71 V, which remains stable for 37 min. However, after 37 min, the cell voltage decreases dramatically to 0 V due to a reduction in hydrogen feeding rate by exhaustion of Al–1Fe. It is particularly notable that on-board hydrogen production using the hydrolysis of Al–Fe alloy exhibits self-humidification, supplying humidity automatically without a humidifier.

► A sheet Al–1Fe is suitable as a source for on-board hydrogen production.
► On-board hydrogen production system shows 0.71 V at 10 A for 37 min by PEMFC.
► The hydrolysis of the Al–Fe alloy exhibits self-humidification.