Conclusions and outlook

Hydrolysis in the presence of magnesium is a reaction that has been, and still is, extensively explored by various research teams with the aim of producing hydrogen without greenhouse gas emissions. Most of this research is aimed at optimizing reaction rates and kinetics, upgrading end-of-life alloys, or integrating it into complete energy production systems. Research and development concerning hydrolysis in the presence of magnesium involves classic solid state chemistry characterization methods, such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, laser granulometry, etc., as well as electrochemical techniques used in corrosion studies.

A number of key parameters for good hydrolysis conditions are now well known: chloride ion levels, pH, galvanic interactions, powder surface activation (mechanical grinding), etc. This knowledge enables the technology to be used for...