Green hydrogen control and efficiency enhancement technology for Al waste dust recovery in wet dust collection systems

This study proposes a hydrogen generation control and optimization technology using green pine needle extract to manage hydrogen production from waste Al dust hydrolysis in wet scrubbers. This approach targets eliminating hydrogen explosion risks while improving recycling efficiency. Particle size distribution and scanning electron microscope results confirm the high purity and reactivity of Al dust, with a hydrogen evolution reaction progress degree (α) reaching 0.2 in water under continuous reaction conditions. Pine needle extract efficiently inhibits the Al-water reaction, reducing α to 0.0096 at a 1.75 g/L concentration, with a reaction rate constant of 3.3451 × 10−4, producing almost no hydrogen. Surface analysis and adsorption models reveal the extract adsorbs onto the Al dust surface, forming a monolayer protective film that prevents Al-water contact, thus preserving its original morphology. This protective film maintains stable inhibition performance under different environmental conditions. Mechanism analysis reveals that the heteroatoms and conjugated systems in pine needle extract form complexes with the aluminol groups and Al atoms on the Al dust surface, hindering the Al-water reaction. This study demonstrates a green approach for controlling hydrogen production from Al dust, providing a novel solution for improving the safety and sustainability of Al dust recycling in industrial applications.