In this investigation, ternary Al-Bi-Zn composites were prepared through mechanochemical activation to determine the combined effects of low-cost Bi and Zn on the morphology change and reactivity of the Al composite during the hydrolysis reaction. Specifically, Zn was considered as a means to slow the hydrogen generation rate while preserving a high hydrogen yield. A steady hydrogen generation rate is preferred when coupled with a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that Bi and Zn were distributed relatively uniformly in Al particles. By doing so, galvanic coupling between anodic Al and the cathodic Bi/Zn sustains the hydrolysis reaction until the entire Al particle is consumed. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed no intermetallic phases between Al, Bi, and/or Zn formed. A composite containing 7.5 wt% Bi and 2.5 wt% Zn had a hydrogen yield of 99.5%, which was completed after approximately 2300 s. It was further found that the water quality used during hydrolysis could further slow the hydrogen generation rate.
Keywords: aluminum; ball milling; bismuth (Bi); hydrogen generation; hydrolysis; mechanochemical activation; zinc (Zn).