How does aluminum react with water?

In what way and in what form does aluminum react with water? Aluminum metal rapidly develops a thin layer of aluminum oxide of a few millimeters that prevents the metal from reacting with water. When this layer is corroded a reaction develops, releasing highly flammable hydrogen gas. read more

Aluminum chloride hydrolyses in water, and forms a mist when it comes in contact with air, because hydrochloric acid drops form when it reacts with water vapor. Aluminum ions in other compounds also hydrolyze, and this continues until the cationic charge has run out, ending the reaction by hydroxide formation. read more

Aluminum reacts vigorously with water to produce hydrogen, alumina (aluminum oxide, Al2O3) and heat in the reaction: 2Al + 3H2O → 3H2 + Al2O3 + heat This basic property has lured numerous researchers interested in generating hydrogen from the aluminum-water reaction for modern transportation systems for at least 35 years. read more

Organizations that are currently involved with the development of aluminum-water systems for the production of hydrogen are listed in Appendix II. Reaction-Promoting Approaches: Hydroxide Promoters: A number of U.S. patents describe the use of hydroxides, primarily sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to promote aluminum-water reactions (4-8). read more