Army engineers at the Aberdeen Proving Ground facility in Maryland has discovered a new energy source by mixing nano-galvanic, aluminium-based powder with water, or with any liquid containing water. According to them, this technology produces high amount of energy for fuel and fuel cells.
The aluminium powder hydrolyzes water, splitting it into two oxygen molecules and one hydrogen molecule. It was an already known fact to the engineers that hydrogen can be harvested by adding aluminium. But this method requires time, elevated temperatures, added electricity, and/or toxic chemicals.
“In our case, it does not need a catalyst,” says Anit Giri, a physicist with the lab. “Also, it is very fast. For example, we calculate that one kilogram of aluminium powder can produce 220 kilowatts of energy in just three minutes.”
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The discovery is significant in terms of its potential uses. This Army program, in contrast, has led to a 100% in efficiency increase in energy production in very less time. The researchers believed the nanomaterial can be used in 3D printers to make object and components. This could lead to air and ground robots that use their structures for fuel and then self-destruct after mission is over. One possible application of the discovery that may help future soldiers is the potential to recharge mobile devices for recon teams.
These teams need to be out in the field for three to five days, and the stay depends on how long their batteries will last. Recharging those batteries on the go can help their stay longer.
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