Augusta, Ga. – It was once an idea of the future, but the use of hydrogen gas to power electrical appliances or even cars has become a sign of the times. However, a concern that continues to arise is finding a way to produce hydrogen on demand since it is difficult to safely store it.

In hopes of solving this problem, Brandon Hammond, biology major, and Jeremy Robinson, chemistry major, both students at Augusta State University, conducted experiments using an aluminum-gallium-indium-tin alloy to extract hydrogen from water.  In their research, Synthesis of an Al-Ga-In-Sn alloy: An alternative method of generating Hydrogen gas for the operation of a fuel cell, their results show that after placing the alloy into water, the water will divide itself into hydrogen and oxygen. This technique which was inspired by Dr. Jerry Woodall, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University, could be used to replace gasoline in cars in the near future.

Mr. Hammond and Mr. Robinson will present their research during the second session of the 10th Annual Phi Kappa Phi Student Research and Fine Arts Conference on Wednesday, March 11, beginning at 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., at ASU. The conference is sponsored by ASU’s Chapter of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and First Citizens Bank.  This event is free and the public is invited. If you are interested in pursuing this story, contact Danielle Harris, media relations specialist, in ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications at 706-737-1876.
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