Green Cruise Ships Thanks to Gallium... and Coffee
It has long been known: a remarkable fuel, green hydrogen, can be extracted from aluminum, gallium, and water. (As we reported) The press is now also reporting on this. In the interim, science has expanded the process with two additional ingredients: indium and coffee grounds. You read that correctly: during coffee gatherings on future cruise ships, a component of the green mobility transition could be generated – and transferred directly to the engine room.
Cruise Ships Cause Enormous CO2 Emissions
Cruise ships are not exactly known for their environmental friendliness. This is because most of them still run on heavy fuel oil, which causes not only enormous CO2 emissions but also significant particulate matter pollution. Nevertheless, they are very popular. It is all the more encouraging that MIT scientists have now discovered a green propulsion system for these massive ships. All that is needed are some aluminum pellets, a little indium and gallium, and coffee grounds.
Coffee with Gallium, Please!
Aluminum and gallium in a 3:1 ratio, when combined with water, produce large quantities of hydrogen. The gallium removes the oxide layer that would normally prevent the aluminum from reacting. Indium accelerates this process, as does the imidazole contained in caffeine. In combination with seawater, the system could generate hydrogen as needed, for propulsion engines or for electricity generation. The process could be carried out directly on board, meaning the ship would not need to carry water or gas containers. Seawater is abundant and coffee grounds are very cheap, as is the aluminum used. Although indium and gallium are scarce technology metals, they can be recovered after the reaction. The entire process is therefore not only green but also cost-effective.
New Green Propulsion for Ships and Trucks
The idea of a compact reactor for ships and underwater vehicles, utilizing recycled aluminum pellets, a small amount of gallium-indium alloy, and coffee grounds, was published in the online scientific journal “Cell Reports Physical Science” and could revolutionize shipping. The MIT team has also developed a prototype reactor that could power a submarine for 30 days with 20 kilograms of aluminum pellets. Other vehicles such as trains and trucks could also use this propulsion system.
Gallium Has a Future
Looking to the future, we can only advise one thing: Drink coffee and save the grounds! Or, if you are looking for a commodity with a longer shelf life and more applications:
Buy Gallium!