I'm ball milling aluminum into powder and I have filled the canister with some water to prevent the aluminum from igniting. The powder has begun to dissolve in the water. I'd like to know the best way to remove the dissolved aluminum from the water so I can get to the powder.There is around of cup of water in the canister, just to give an idea of the situation.
Aluminum does not dissolve in water. In the presence of oxygen (and water), it becomes Aluminum Hydroxide which is worthless pyrotechnically. To boil the water off without heat, use a vacuum pump. You may be involving yourself in a very dangerous enterprise, especially since you don't seem to know anything about chemistry. If you are experimenting, I would keep the quantities very low, a gram or so.
Boil the water. The water will evaporate, leaving the aluminum behind.
