Yes i know what happens when they react. I tried to do it...it wouldn't WOrk!I checked the concentration of the NaOH solution with some Ph indicator and it came inbetween 11-14 Which should be high enough to react with aluminum right?
NaOH will dissolve even thick layers of oxide, as on anodized aluminum, 5% NaOH at 140F will break through the oxide and start to gas hydrogen in about 10 minutes max
It should work, particularly if you are in the higher end of the pH scale. I would try finely dividing the aluminum and making sure that there are some fresh surfaces. Aluminum is a self protecting metal which forms a relatively inert surface oxide layer. Abrade the surface of the aluminum right before you add the NaOH to be sure there are the fresh surfaces. If that doesn't work, SLOWLY and CAREFULLY raise the temperature of the solution.
This Site Might Help You. RE: Aluminum + Sodium hydroxide.? Yes i know what happens when they react. I tried to do it...it wouldn't WOrk! I checked the concentration of the NaOH solution with some Ph indicator and it came inbetween 11-14 Which should be high enough to react with aluminum right?
The interesting thing about this reaction is that aluminum actually reacts with the water in a basic solution. Aluminum forms a tenacious oxide coating that is difficult to remove and keep off. The hydroxide ion facilitates the reaction by removing the oxide coating and preventing its reforming. Al2O3 + 2OH- + 3H2O -- 2Al^3+ + 8OH- By removing the oxide coating, aluminum metal is exposed so that it reacts with water in a redox reaction to liberate hydrogen gas. Al + 6H2O -- Al^3+ + 3H2(g) + 6OH- Now, as to why the reaction isn't working, it's possible that the oxide coating is so thick that it was impervious to the base. Clean the aluminum. The surface will oxidize as soon as fresh metal is exposed, but the coating will be thinner and able to be dissolved in OH- solution.
