A synergistic and unique corrosive/non-corrosive integrated impacts of waste recycled and activated Al/Cr composites for enhanced hydrogen generation

[Display omitted] •An efficient Cr promoted recycled Al composites demonstrated rapid H2 generation.•The Cr embedding on hollow Al supported active sites for micro galvanic corrosion.•Magnetic transition, ionization of Cr continuously aided Al to destroy oxide layer.•The reaction kinetics revealed H2 production of 673.12 mL with Ea = 17.92 kJ mol−1.•The predicted mechanism defines synergism and different corrosion roles of Al and Cr. Renewable, clean and portable energy source through waste retrieval is the necessity of the world. The current work demonstrates the recycling and activation of waste Al cans through the active support of numerous metals and an in-depth probe of their co-catalytic impact on H2 generation. The results showed that hollow Al microspheres with several defects, grain boundaries offered micro galvanic cells through inner-outer surface embedded Cr particles. The rapid corrosion of the entire Al microsphere elevated hydrogen production via the aid of magnetic transition and ionization of Cr at varied temperatures and the continuous elimination of the oxide layer. The reaction kinetics revealed a kinetically monitored hydrolysis reaction of Al-97.5/Cr-2.5 in 1 M NaOH solution with the H2 production of 673.12 mL and activation energy Ea = 17.92 kJ mol−1. The predicted mechanism defines the synergism and corrosion/anti-corrosion roles of Al and Cr throughout the hydrolysis. Through these structurally-mechanically-chemically engineered routes, the waste management perspective claims the potential candidature to clean energy pathways.