Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking discovery on turning discarded drinks cans into a source of hydrogen fuel. By exposing pure aluminium to seawater, the reaction naturally produces hydrogen gas which can power engines and fuel cells without harmful emissions. The process involves using a rare-metal alloy to treat the aluminium, then placing it into water to release hydrogen. Although fresh water reacts faster with treated aluminium, the team found that adding caffeine into the seawater can accelerate the hydrogen production process significantly. This method not only offers a sustainable solution for energy production but also helps in recycling precious metals like gallium indium. The research aims to address challenges in transporting hydrogen by focusing on developing reactors that can be used in marine or submarine vessels. The lead author of the study, Aly Kombargi, highlights the potential for maritime applications where aluminium can be used as 'fuel' and combined with seawater to produce hydrogen on-demand. The research team's efforts have even spurred the creation of a company by one member, Peter Godart, to commercialize the process of turning aluminium into hydrogen fuel, indicating a promising future for this innovative energy solution.