On-Demand Hydrogen Generation Using Your Burrito Wrapper

We are at an age where finding alternative fuel sources is an absolute must. One possible energy source is from hydrogen, specifically from water. With an abundance of water on the planet, is there a way to harness it for our energy needs? In this talk, I will describe the formation of a Ga-Al composite that enhances the formation of aluminum nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can then facilitate the splitting of water to generate hydrogen at ambient conditions. To better understand the chemistry that is occurring, the Ga–Al composite was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. These techniques illustrate that the gallium acts to dissolve the aluminum oxide coating of the aluminum nanoparticles. The pristine nanoparticles are then available for continuous water splitting and on-demand hydrogen generation through the Grotthuss mechanism. In addition, the gallium remains intact, allowing it to be collected and reused indefinitely.