Submission + - Alloy of aluminum and gallium releases hydrogen
mdsolar writes: "Reuters is reporting on a method of releasing hydrogen from water by oxidizing aluminum in an alloy with gallium. The aluminum oxidizes leaving aluminum oxide, gallium and hydrogen gas in the presence of water. The Purdue
scientists who discovered the effect think this may help to overcome difficulties with hydrogen storage. From the article:
More details are give here."On its own, aluminum will not react with water because it forms a protective skin when exposed to oxygen. Adding gallium keeps the film from forming, allowing the aluminum to react with oxygen in the water.