Local Initiative Hydrogen Production by Aluminum Waste-Hot Spring Water Reaction

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K21329
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 1101:Environmental analyses and evaluation, environmental conservation measure and related fields
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Alviani Vani Novita 東北大学, 環境科学研究科, 助教 (80912774)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-08-30 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Hydrogen production / Direct geothermal use / Alumnium waste / Acidic hot spring / Life cycle assessment

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study uses a multidisciplinary approach to explore direct geothermal use via acidic thermal springs for local-scale hydrogen energy initiatives. The study demonstrates the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of utilizing the aluminum-water low hydrothermal reaction under specific pH and temperature conditions to disrupt the aluminum oxide layer. Furthermore, the study validates the potential use of waste materials (aluminum dross and cutting chips) with acidic hot springs at the laboratory and onsite experiments. Environmental assessment reveals lower carbon dioxide emissions from aluminum waste than primary aluminum-based hydrogen and gasoline fuels.

Free Research Field

Environmental studies

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

この研究は、温泉とアルミニウム廃棄物を利用してグリーン水素を製造するパイオニアである。複雑な処理やメカニズムを必要としない、グリーン水素製造の新たな選択肢を提供するものである。グリーン水素製造であることに加え、提案された方法は、廃棄物管理戦略、直接的な地熱利用、酸性温泉の中和といった利点がある。