Hydrogen inhibition performance of blueberry anthocyanin as a green-potent inhibitor in wet Al alloy dust collector systems

Abstract

To solve the fire and explosion risks caused by hydrogen generation of Al alloy dust in wet dust collector systems, an attempt is made to use blueberry anthocyanin (B-ACN), as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly inhibitor for hydrogen generation of Al alloy dust. Hydrogen inhibition effect and mechanism are evaluated through hydrogen production experiments, hydrolysis kinetic models, surface characterization analysis, and adsorption model. The results show that B-ACN exhibited a potent hydrogen inhibition efficiency of 97.36% at 4.50 g/L concentration, and maintained a hydrogen inhibition stability higher than 94.21% under temperature disturbance. In addition, theoretical calculations and surface characterization were performed to investigate the inhibition mechanism of B-ACN. SEM-EDS and XRD confirmed that the surface of the hydrolysis products of Al alloy dust in B-ACN solution is smooth and complete, with almost no generation of hydroxides. FTIR indicated that B-ACN adsorbs on the dust surface through the O atom. XPS and adsorption model suggested that the surface adsorption of B-ACN on the Al alloy dust involves both physical and chemical processes and follows the Langmuir adsorption model. Therefore, a dense and complete B-ACN protective film formed on the surface of Al alloy as a physical barrier, blocking the reaction between Al3+ and water molecules. This research provides a cost-effective, sustainable natural plant extract inhibitor to solve the risk of hydrogen generation and explosion, thereby achieving inherently safer industrial production and environmental protection.