Hydrogen generation based on aluminum-water reaction for fuel cell applications

摘要

Electrical energy generation by proton exchange membrane fuel cell using hydrogen produced by exothermic aluminum/water is discussed. Aluminum/water reaction is limited due to existence of natural aluminum oxide layer. Plasma immersion technologies were used in order to form altered layer on the aluminum powder surface. Structural analysis, elemental content, surface elemental composition and hydrogen production measurements were compared for all samples treated under different plasma activation conditions. Produced hydrogen volume was tested for samples after 6 months of storage as well. Results showed that plasma modified samples stay very active for long time and are able to generate electricity.