Scientists at Purdue University have developed an alloy that allows you to get hydrogen and water vapor from water

Actually, oxygen is also released in this reaction, of course, but the most valuable reaction products are precisely hydrogen and water vapor. Hydrogen - it is understandable why, because it is fuel, and water vapor can be condensed, thus obtaining clean water. The alloy obtained by scientists includes metals such as aluminum, indium, gallium and tin. The exact ratios of metals in the alloy are not reported, and this is understandable - after all, such an alloy is the know-how of the university, and this is quite a commercial development.

Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells, the production of which has recently intensified. Well, and the water vapor generated during the reaction, it is indeed possible to condense and get drinking water. At the same time, it is not necessary to purify the “first product”, that is, the source water. In addition, the water can be marine, which is even more interesting. Scientists even calculated the cost of producing clean water.

So, the production of clean, potable water will cost about 25 cents / liter, and the cost per kilowatt-hour of energy that will be obtained by utilizing hydrogen is 35 cents (as far as I know, in New York a kilowatt-hour of energy costs 26 cents, so really, not so expensive). Yes, in addition to oxygen, hydrogen and steam, aluminum hydroxide is also formed, which is quite acceptable, since this compound is not toxic / harmful to the environment.

The developers hope that this technology can be applied in poor countries, where electricity and clean water are rare. In addition, similar technology can be used on small vessels. It is worth noting that a patent application has already been filed, so that soon we can expect new devices based on this technology.

Via Purdue