2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Local Initiative Hydrogen Production by Aluminum Waste-Hot Spring Water Reaction
| Project/Area Number |
21K21329
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| Research Institution | Tohoku University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2021-08-30 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | hydrogen production / aluminum waste / acidic hot spring / geothermal |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In terms of research activities, we have undertaken a fundamental study of aluminum waste and acidic geothermal hot spring water reactions for producing hydrogen in both lab-scale and onsite designs. The study revealed that strong acidity, elevated temperature, and higher chloride-containing hot springs effectively disrupted the aluminum surface's oxide layer. Therefore, aluminum's surface morphology became rougher and pitted, which allowed water to penetrate deeply and drastically enhanced aluminum reactivity with water to release hydrogen.
We have also conducted a life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of the system studied. As a result, hydrogen fuel use from aluminum waste materials-acidic hot spring reactions reduced environmental impacts (i.e., carbon emission and energy consumption) compared to gasoline and primary aluminum use. The negative CO2 emission results reflected emission reduction due to hot spring neutralization (replacing limestone input).
As for research output, we have published the journal article, performed collaborative work relevant to the future research direction, and made presentations at academic meetings.
We are currently exploring treatments on aluminum (and some potential metals) to generate more hydrogen effectively, clarifying the possible impurities, working on a techno-economic assessment of the system, and preparing for presentations and relevant publications.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
The timeline is currently on track as planned. We are exploring the best-suited methods for effectively treating the aluminum (or some potential metals) to generate hydrogen more effectively that are environmentally friendly and practical. Also, we are planning to clarify the possible impurities in the system. Subsequently, we aim for a comprehensive study on environmental and technological aspects (i.e., life cycle and techno-economic assessments).
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Our strategy is similar to that planned. In realizing the research plan, we expect to find effective methods for activating aluminum (and some potential metals, if possible), investigate the associated impurities from the system, and present a comprehensive study of life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment.
We plan to perform the research as timely as possible and have some ongoing collaborative research to direct the development of hydrogen energy.
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| Causes of Carryover |
As we are now exploring treatments on aluminum (and some potential metals) to generate more hydrogen effectively, clarifying the associated impurities, and preparing for a comprehensive study of environmental and technological aspects, the funding is necessary to support the direct and indirect expenses relevant to the research plan.
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