Impact of Li Addition in Al-Rich Alloys on Hydrogen Production in Water

In this study, three types of aluminum alloys (Al-Li, Al-Ga-In-Sn and Al-Li-Ga-In-Sn alloys) were prepared via vacuum arc melting technology. The microstructures of the alloys were examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The water discharge method was used to evaluate the water–aluminum reaction. The results show that the Al-Li alloy is inert in aqueous ambience, whereas the Al-Ga-In-Sn alloy and Al-Li-Ga-In-Sn alloy rapidly react with water. Meanwhile, the Li addition hinders the aluminum–water reaction mainly due to the formation of AlLi and Li5Sn2 intermetallic compounds, which causes a lower H2 generation rate and a lower H2 yield of the Al-Li-Ga-In-Sn alloy than those of the Al-Ga-In-Sn alloy.