Hydrogen generation through rolling using Al–Sn alloy

Mechanically treated aluminum-tin (Al–Sn) alloy, a novel hydrogen-generating material, was fabricated and found to react directly and immediately with water at room temperature. The maximum yield of hydrogen per unit volume of alloy was 2259 mL/cm3 (0.202 g/cm3). The mass ratio of the generated hydrogen and the Al–Sn alloy material was 4.86%. This percentage is much higher than that of traditional hydrogen storage alloys and can compete with metal hydrides. The combination of Al–Sn alloy powder and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) produced a new kind of Al–Sn/CNT composite that also reacts with water at room temperature. Al–Sn/CNT composites were synthesized using a high temperature and high-pressure method. When CNT content was held constant, composites with single-walled CNTs had higher reaction rates than those with multi-walled CNTs. The effects of mechanical treatment and CNT addition on enhancing the reaction between Al–Sn alloys or Al–Sn/CNTs and water were also analysed.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Al–Sn alloys as hydrogen generation material are fabricated by mechanically rolling. ► It can directly react with water to release hydrogen at room temperature. ► The maximum yield of hydrogen per unit alloy volume is 2,259 mL/cm3 (0.202 g/cm3). ► The Al–Sn alloy containing CNTs without rolling also can mildly react with water.