The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) , Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., announces that its researchers have developed a novel, structurally-stable, aluminum-base nanogalvanic alloy powder that reacts with water to produce hydrogen on-demand without a catalyst. The lab plans to license its discovery for hydrogen generation.
“This aluminum-base alloy includes material that disrupts the formation of an encapsulating aluminum oxide layer, allowing for the continuous production of hydrogen that can be used at the point of need to power a wide range of devices via fuel cells and internal combustion,” says Dr. Anit Giri, a scientist with the lab’s Weapons and Materials Research Directorate. “The powder can be easily manufactured to scale, and can be conveniently and safely transported via tablets or vacuum pouches, thus eliminating reliance on high-pressure hydrogen cylinders.”
Army researchers discovered the unique properties of the nanopowder while investigating aluminum alloy compositions for other purposes. The researchers, from the lab’s Lightweight and Specialty Metals Branch, made the serendipitous discovery that at least one of these compositions can, in the presence of water, spontaneously generate hydrogen, rapidly and efficiently.
“The researchers have since demonstrated rapid hydrogen generation rates using powder and tablet forms of the alloy,” says Branch Chief Robert Dowding. “The hydrogen has been shown to be useful for powering fuel cells and is expected to power internal combustion engines.”
ARL will be posting a Federal Register Notice and launching a supporting website inviting companies to submit their ideas on how best to commercialize this technology. The laboratory will then select the most appropriate partners and collaborators. Officials said license exclusivity will then be determined.
“The Federal Register announcement is a significant step forward in the transition of power to the soldier in the field, where it will become available on-demand at the point of need,” says Branch Chief Dowding.
