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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:50
Hydrogen Charging of Aluminum using Friction in Water
Published on: January 28, 2020
Aluminium hydride: a reversible material for hydrogen storage.
Ragaiy Zidan1, Brenda L Garcia-Diaz, Christopher S Fewox
1Energy Security Directorate, Savannah River National Lab, Aiken, SC 29808, USA. Ragaiy.Zidan@srnl.doe.gov
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|June 27, 2009
Summary
Electrochemical synthesis of aluminium hydride offers a reversible regeneration pathway. This method bypasses high thermodynamic costs, making aluminium hydride a viable option for hydrogen storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Aluminium hydride (AlH3) is a promising material for hydrogen storage due to its high hydrogen content.
- The high thermodynamic costs associated with traditional synthesis methods have limited its practical application.
- Developing cost-effective and reversible synthesis routes is crucial for AlH3's viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an electrochemical synthesis method for aluminium hydride (AlH3).
- To establish a reversible cycle for AlH3 regeneration.
- To overcome the economic barriers hindering AlH3's use as a hydrogen storage material.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical synthesis of aluminium hydride.
- Characterization of the synthesized AlH3.
- Demonstration of a reversible regeneration cycle.
Main Results:
- Successful electrochemical synthesis of aluminium hydride (AlH3).
- A closed, reversible cycle for AlH3 regeneration was achieved.
- The electrochemical route significantly reduces the thermodynamic costs compared to conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemical synthesis provides a cost-effective and sustainable route for AlH3 production.
- The reversible regeneration cycle enhances the material's potential for practical hydrogen storage applications.
- This breakthrough addresses the key limitations previously preventing AlH3's widespread adoption in hydrogen storage systems.
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