Engineers have found a groundbreaking method to produce hydrogen gas by combining pure aluminium pellets with seawater, resulting in a sustainable and clean energy solution. The process involves treating the aluminium with a rare-metal alloy before submerging it in seawater to catalyze hydrogen production. Surprisingly, the addition of a low concentration of imidazole, a component of caffeine, was discovered to significantly accelerate the reaction, yielding hydrogen in just five minutes compared to two hours without the stimulant. The researchers, led by Aly Kombargi at MIT, are developing a compact hydrogen reactor for maritime use, where aluminium pellets recycled from mineral cans can be combined with gallium-indium and caffeine to generate hydrogen on demand by reacting with surrounding seawater. This innovative approach eliminates the need to store hydrogen gas and provides a sustainable alternative for powering engines and fuel cells, particularly in marine vessels and underwater vehicles. The study emphasizes the potential of leveraging aluminium-water reactions to efficiently produce hydrogen without the safety risks associated with storing hydrogen gas. By using seawater as a source of ions to recover and reuse the rare-metal alloy, the researchers aim to establish a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for hydrogen generation. This research represents a significant step towards advancing green technology and promoting the adoption of alternative fuels for a more sustainable future.