A Review of Applications of Surface-Modified Aluminum in Hydrogen Generation and Water Treatment – Summary
Yang Yang1*, Shu-Kuan Guo2 and Qin Yu3
1*Energy Materials & Physics Group, Department of Physics, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266520, China
2State Key Laboratory of Functional Crystals and Devices, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201899, China
3School of Mechanical Engineering and Rail Transit, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
*Corresponding author: yangyang159539@163.com; Tel: +86-0539-5797912
Submitted: December 16, 2024
Revised: May 26, 2025
Accepted: June 17, 2025
Published: August 5, 2025
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) has been extensively studied for hydrogen generation and water treatment due to its abundance and low redox potential. However, the reductive capability of Al is hindered by the formation of a passive oxide layer on its surface. Besides the conventional Al surface treatment techniques such as acid/alkali corrosion, alloying and mechanical ball-milling, a novel Al surface modification technology that emerged in recent years has attracted significant attention and extensive research. This technology has been validated as an efficient method for Al activation, boasting both economic benefits and environment-friendly manufacturing processes.
In this review, the recent Al surface modification technologies and their applications in the fields of hydrogen generation and water treatment are comprehensively summarized. The advantages and disadvantages between Al surface modification technologies and common Al reactivity activation methods are compared, mainly focusing on their enhanced effect on Al performance in Al-water reactions for hydrogen generation and Al-contaminant reactions for water treatment. Finally, the obstacles that restrict Al surface modification processes in practical application in Al-water reactions for clean energy generation and Al-contaminant reactions for water treatment are examined. Several strategies to potentially address the obstacles in Al practical application are proposed.