Enhanced hydrogen generation from graphite-mixed aluminum hydroxides catalyzed Al/water reaction

Abstract The high catalytic effect of a graphite-mixed Al(OH)3 nanoparticles (NPs) for the hydrogen generation from the reaction of Al and water is reported. These graphite-mixed Al(OH)3 NPs were synthesized through a simple solvothermal procedure. Characterization using powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were carried out. The results show that small amounts of graphite added into Al(OH)3 NPs could significantly enhance the hydrolysis reaction of Al and H2O reaction, releasing 1360 mL g-1 hydrogen in 20 min at room temperature. This reaction accomplishes 100% yield of hydrogen using 1 g modified Al(OH)3 in 1 g Al and 200 g water. The synthesized graphite-mixed Al(OH)3 exhibits good activity-stability, which can be used for multiple Al/water reactions. This work demonstrates a novel and possible way to generate hydrogen for portable devices.