A Novel Self-Assembling Al-based Composite Powder with High Hydrogen Generation Efficiency

Abstract

In this study, a novel self-assembling hydrogen generation powder comprised of 80Al-10Bi-10Sn wt.% was prepared using the gas atomization method and then collected in an air environment. The morphological and hydrolysis properties of the powders were investigated. The results indicated that the powders formed unique core/shell microstructures with cracked surfaces and (Bi, Sn)-rich phases distributed on the Al grain boundaries. The powders exhibited good oxidation resistance and reacted violently with distilled water at temperatures as low as 0 °C. Furthermore, at 30 °C, the powders exhibited a hydrogen conversion yield of 91.30% within 16 minutes. The hydrogen produced by this powder could be directly used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The mechanisms of the hydrolysis reactions were also analyzed.

High-flux He+ irradiation effects on surface damages of tungsten under ITER relevant conditions

“…The changes in W surface microstructures under high-flux He + irradiation have been described previously [12,18,19]. The surface damage processes are diffusion-controlled, and strongly influenced by surface temperature [19].…”

“…The large-power inductively coupled plasma (ICP) irradiation system built in our lab has been used to irradiate W specimens [12], as schematically illustrated in Fig. 1.…”

“…It has been widely accepted that nanometer-sized defects or He bubbles are formed due to the diffusion and coalescence of He atoms into vacancies, dislocations, or defects at an elevated temperature [15,16]. Such surface changes have been proposed to result from the growth of nanometer-sized He bubbles [15][16][17]12]. When He + flux increases to >1.3×10 22 , plenty of fiberform nano-fuzzes are formed at W surfaces, as shown in Figs.…”

“…3(a) and (b)). [12], and the diffusion depth of trapped He atoms is affected by He + energy and surface temperature. The coalescence of trapped He atoms results in an over-high He pressure in the surface layer, which is responsible for the formation of columnar microstructures after the fractures of irradiated specimens.…”

Insight into the effect of In addition on hydrogen generation behavior and hydrolysis mechanism of Al‐based ternary alloys in distilled water—A new active Al‐Ga‐In hydrolysis hydrogen generation alloy

“…The addition of Ga element mainly exists as solid solution atoms in matrix Al and second phase In. And the activity of matrix Al increases obviously, which can enhance the initial hydrolysis process of Al alloy . Ga can also act like mercury, and the liquid Ga can penetrate into Al and cover the surface of Al, so many breaks can be produced during the reaction and improve the reactivity of Al with water .…”