Al–Ga doped nanostructured carbon as a novel material for hydrogen production in water

Production of hydrogen using Al–Ga doped nanostructured carbon in pure water is studied. The XRD and BET techniques were used for sample analyses. Dehydrogenation data of aluminum on the ordered mesoporous carbon were collected at 353 K. In the present work the oxidation rate of activated aluminum and water is investigated depending on eutectic composition and reaction temperature. The H2 generation rate increases with the rise of temperature. Incorporated Al–Ga–OMC nanocomposite had faster (hydrogen production rate was 112 ml H2 min−1 g−1) and more efficient (hydrogen production yield was 100%) dehydrogenation kinetics than incorporated Al–OMC nanocomposite and ball-miled active aluminum.

► Production of hydrogen using Al–Ga doped nanostructured carbon in pure water is studied.
► Incorporated Al–Ga–OMC nanocomposite had faster dehydrogenation kinetics than ball-miled active aluminum.
► Concretely, Al–Ga–OMC system exhibit ultrafast hydrogenation kinetics (gallium catalytic effect) with very high capacity (mesoporous carbon high surface area and loading capacity).