An aluminum alloy could solve drinking water needs. Yes, the alloy could be used to convert non-potable water into drinking water while also extracting hydrogen to generate electricity.
An aluminum alloy could solve drinking water needs. Yes, the alloy could be used to convert non-potable water into drinking water while also extracting hydrogen to generate electricity. The alloy contains aluminum, gallium, indium and tin. Immersing the alloy in freshwater or saltwater causes a spontaneous reaction, splitting the water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The hydrogen could then be fed to a fuel cell to generate electricity, producing water in the form of steam as a byproduct, he said.
“The steam would kill any bacteria contained in the water, and then it would condense to purified water,” said Jerry Woodall, a Purdue University distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering.
“So, you are converting undrinkable water to drinking water.”
Because the technology works with saltwater, it might have marine applications, such as powering boats and robotic underwater vehicles. The technology also might be used to desalinate water, said Woodall, who is working with doctoral student Go Choi.
A patent on the design is pending.
Woodall envisions a new portable technology for regions that aren’t connected to a power grid, such as villages in Africa and other remote areas.
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The potable water could be produced for about $1 per gallon, and electricity could be generated for about 35 cents per kilowatt hour of energy.
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The unit, including the alloy, the reactor and fuel cell might weigh less than 100 pounds.
“You could drop the alloy, a small reaction vessel and a fuel cell into a remote area via parachute,” Woodall said. “Then the reactor could be assembled along with the fuel cell. The polluted water or the seawater would be added to the reactor and the reaction converts the aluminum and water into aluminum hydroxide, heat and hydrogen gas on demand.”
The aluminum hydroxide waste is non-toxic and could be disposed of in a landfill.
The researchers have a design but haven’t built a prototype.
Source-Medindia