Build · 2023-02-20
Hydrogen RC car conversion
Can a battery RC car be converted to run on hydrogen generated on board from aluminum and gallium?
Yes, it runs. Aluminum (soda-can tabs) alloyed with gallium forms reactive aluminum that splits water into hydrogen and aluminum hydroxide; the reaction is exothermic.
- Kind
- Build
- Status
- Built
- Date
- 2023-02-20
- Fuel cell
- 50 W, timed purge solenoid
- Fuel
- H₂ from Al–Ga + water
- Byproduct
- Aluminum oxide/hydroxide, heat
- Mount
- 3-part printed deck
Video
What it is
A battery RC car with a dead pack, converted to a 50 W hydrogen fuel cell fed by an onboard aluminum–gallium + water reactor, on a 3D-printed deck that reuses the car's existing mounts.
Results
None yet.
Lab notes
Chemistry
Gallium disrupts aluminum's oxide layer and grain structure, leaving reactive aluminum that splits water into hydrogen. The gallium isn't consumed and can be recovered.
Fuel-cell purge
A timer-driven solenoid holds hydrogen in the stack and purges periodically instead of letting it flow straight through, which wastes far less gas; it sounds like the cell is breathing.
Notes transcribed from the build video.
Questions about this one? Ask in the Discord. It's the fastest way to reach me.