Accidental Hydrogen Production from Gallium and Aluminium Oxide

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the reaction between aluminum and gallium oxide when water is introduced, resulting in hydrogen production. Aluminum is highly reactive, but its natural oxide layer typically protects it from reacting with neutral water. However, in acidic or basic conditions, this oxide layer dissolves, allowing the aluminum to react. Gallium prevents the formation of this protective oxide layer, facilitating the reaction. The conversation also references a similar reaction involving aluminum and mercury, which is notable for its rapid oxidation of aluminum and safety concerns regarding mercury transport on planes. Additionally, the discussion touches on the potential for hydrogen production using iron and hydrochloric acid, confirming that iron (ferum) will react with hydrochloric acid to produce iron chloride and hydrogen, with zinc also mentioned as a suitable metal for similar reactions.
bioman06
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Hi guys

I was looking at a website and the engineer was working with Gallium and Allaminium oxide, and by accident they put water with it and the reaction produced hydrogen.

Could anyone expand on this?

regards
Bioman
 
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No surprise here, aluminum is very reactive. It is just almost always covered with very stable oxide, which makes it water resistant, as long as water is neutral (pH around 7). When it is acidic or basic oxide dissolves and aluminum reacts. Gallium doesn't allow oxide layer creation.

To some extent that's similar to the famous aluminum and mercury experiment, in which aluminum gets oxidized fast when small amount of mercury is put on its surface. That's why you are not allowed to carry mercury on bard of passenger planes.

This is an old news now, it hit the headlines last year.
 
To produce Hydrogen, can I put a metal such as Ferum into Hydrochloric Acid and get Hydrogen? I think Ferum and Hydrochloric Acid will react and produce Ferum Chloride and Hydrogen.
 
I am assuming that iron is the English equivalent of ferum.

I believe the answer to your question is, yes.

IIRC zinc is a good metal for this as well.
 
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