Alloy could help provide water and power in remote areas

Such a technology might be used to provide power and drinking water to villages and also for military operations, said Jerry Woodall, a Purdue University distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering.

The alloy contains aluminium, gallium, indium and tin. Immersing the alloy in fresh water or salt water causes a spontaneous reaction, splitting the water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The hydrogen could then be fed to a fuel cell to generate electricity, producing water in the form of steam as a by-product, Woodall explained.

‘The steam would kill any bacteria contained in the water, and then it would condense to purified water,’ he said. ‘So, you are converting undrinkable water to drinking water.’

Because the technology works with salt water, it might have marine applications, such as powering boats and robotic underwater vehicles. The technology also might be used to desalinate water, added Woodall, who is working with doctoral student Go Choi.