MIT Unveils Aluminum Can + Seawater Method for Green Hydrogen Production with Commercial-Scale Potential
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently unveiled a new “aluminum can + seawater” method that produces green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint and commercial viability—without relying on fossil fuels.
At the core of this technology is the use of recycled aluminum cans combined with seawater, along with a catalytic alloy made of rare metals gallium and indium. This alloy removes the oxide layer on the aluminum surface that typically inhibits the reaction, allowing aluminum to react directly with seawater to release hydrogen gas and generate aluminum oxide byproducts.
The research team conducted a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA), accounting for carbon emissions across all stages of the process—including aluminum recycling, transportation, the chemical reaction, and hydrogen delivery. The results showed that for every 1 kg of hydrogen produced, only about 1.45 kg of CO₂ is emitted. This represents an 87% reduction compared to conventional fossil-based methods, which typically emit around 11 kg of CO₂ per kg of hydrogen. In terms of emissions, the new method is on par with green hydrogen produced via wind or solar-powered electrolysis.
The assessment also estimated the production cost at approximately $9 per kilogram of hydrogen, which is comparable to current green hydrogen prices. More importantly, the byproduct—boehmite—has significant commercial value in the electronics and semiconductor industries. Its market potential could boost overall profitability by more than fivefold.
The MIT team has developed a prototype reactor about the size of a water bottle, capable of powering an electric bicycle for several hours, showcasing the technology’s application potential. They also plan to adapt the system for use on ships and underwater vehicles, enabling real-time hydrogen supply at sea.
Data from:MIT News
https://news.mit.edu/2025/study-shows-making-hydrogen-soda-cans-seawater-scalable-sustainable-0603?utm_source=chatgpt.com
