A solid energy carrier
The system uses recycled aluminum as an energy material, avoiding expensive catalysts such as gallium to activate the reaction.
PROPRIETARY ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY
Energy from aluminum.
Hydrogen when needed.
STEAMH2 uses a patented electrochemical process to convert the energy potential of recycled aluminum and water into on-demand hydrogen while making process heat available.
No distilled water required
The technology does not require distilled water as its primary feed. The process has also been validated with seawater, expanding its potential in marine and offshore environments.
Hydrogen is generated within the system
Hydrogen is generated when required by the application, with the aim of reducing the need to transport and store large quantities of compressed hydrogen.
Hydrogen and heat
The process provides hydrogen and thermal power. Hydrogen can then be converted into electricity through a fuel cell, while heat can be recovered in integrated energy configurations.
Overcoming passivation.
At the core of the STEAMH2 architecture.
Under ordinary conditions, the aluminum oxide surface layer tends to limit interaction between the metal and water. The STEAMH2 electrochemical architecture modifies conditions at the aluminum interface, promoting charge transfer and hydrogen generation. The potential difference is generated by the cell: the process does not require an external electrical supply to initiate this mechanism.
STEP 01Passivated Al
The aluminum surface is naturally protected by an oxide layer.
STEP 02Internal ΔV
The electrochemical cell generates a potential difference without an external electrical supply.
STEP 03Activated interface
Electrochemical conditions at the interface are modified, promoting interaction with water.
STEP 04H₂ + Al(OH)₃
The process generates hydrogen and forms aluminum hydroxide.
From process water
to seawater.
STEAMH2 was developed not to depend on distilled-water availability. Validation with seawater is particularly relevant for marine platforms, autonomous systems, offshore applications and installations where treated-water logistics are a constraint.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Patented technology.
STEAMH2 technology is protected by Italian patent IT202300026304A1. The international extension process is in progress.
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