HYDROGEN GENERATION BY ALUMINUM-WATER REACTIONS

The aluminum-water surface reaction in the alkaline dissolution of aluminum was studied by secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In our experiments, hydrogen (deuterium) absorption in the aluminum surface after reaction with an alkaline solution was characterized. We suggest the interpretation that anodic oxidation during the first anodic scan irreversibly converts the active hydride-covered Al surface to a passive oxide-covered surface. The result suggests that, at least in alkaline solutions, the Al dissolution pathway proceeds through a hydride oxidation step. hydride may be formed by the etching of Al and hydrogen gas generated cathodically on the surface. The principles of the production of gaseous hydrogen are described.