Microstructure and hydrogen production of the rapidly solidified Al–Mg-Ga-In-Sn alloy

In the present dissertation, series of Al–Mg-Ga-In-Sn alloys were prepared by using arc melting and melt-spinning techniques. Their microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersed X-ray (SEM/EDX). The generated hydrogen volume of Al splitting water reaction was measured using a water displacement method. The morphology and microstructure of the reaction by-products were also characterized using XRD. The results show that from the comparison of microstructures and Al-water reactions between the as-cast and the rapidly solidified alloys, it was found that the effect of Mg on Al-water reaction was attributed to the induction of segregation of In and Sn and formation of intermetallic compounds on Al surfaces. However, Mg dissolved in Al grains hardly had any effect on the Al-water reaction. The reaction rate and hydrogen yield of the rapidly solidified alloys are significantly enhanced due to the refinement of Al grain.