Hydrogen production using Al-4Mg-1Sn(-1Fe) [wt.%] alloys: Influence of microstructural features and insights for the recycling of Al alloys

Author(s)

Barros, Andre ; Konno, Camila ; Silva, Cassio ; de Paula, Andrei ; Garcia, Amauri ; Cheung, Noe

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY; v. 136, p. 14-pg., 2025-06-10.

Abstract

Currently, using recycled Al alloys has emerged as a promising approach for hydrogen production. However, the presence of Fe, a common impurity, often compromises their hydrogen production performance, representing a shortcoming. In light of this context, this work aims to investigate the hydrogen production with Al-4Mg-1Sn and Al-4Mg-1Sn-1Fe (wt.%) alloys, focusing on the innovative aspect of leveraging the microstructure to enhance the hydrogen production with recycled alloys of practical interest. The results show that the adverse effects of Fe incorporation on hydrogen production can be mitigated through microstructural refinement. Novel Hall-Petch-type equations describe the improvements of 33% in hydrogen production rate (2.2-3.3 mL/g & sdot;min) and 23% in yield (78%-96%), achieved as the primary dendrite arm spacing of the Fe-containing alloy reduces. Even in the presence of Fe-rich particles, the dealloying of Mg2Sn particles remains fundamental to microgalvanic effects, promoting faster hydrogen production in finer microstructures. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/12535-8 - Hydrogen Generation from Al-Mg-Fe-Sn Alloys: A Recycling Strategy with Emphasis on Microstructure
• Grantee: Andre dos Santos Barros
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• FAPESP's process: 21/11439-0 - Interrelationships between thermal parameters/solidification microstructures with wear resistance and hydrogen generation of Al-Sn-(Mg;Zn) alloys
• Grantee: Noe Cheung
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/01422-8 - Hydrogen generation from Al-Mg-Fe-Sn alloys: a recycling strategy with emphasis on microstructure
• Grantee: Noe Cheung
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants