A general overview of waste aluminum role in the production of hydrogen

To meet the demands of a 21st-century population sustainably and efficiently, recycling and reusing materials are crucial, offering both economic and environmental benefits. Aluminum, the third most abundant element on Earth, already boasts recycling rates of up to 90% for components at the end of their life cycle. With rapid advancements in sorting technologies and the construction of new facilities, it is now possible to produce high-purity aluminum fractions suitable for remelting, significantly reducing the need for primary aluminum. This paper examines the aluminum material cycle—from products such as beverage cans, window frames from construction scraps, and industrial dross, through their use and eventual remelting or recycling for further generation of green hydrogen. Additionally, it explores recent initiatives from the United States and Europe aimed at designing and constructing pilot plants that use aluminum waste for the production of clean energy. The goal of this work is to provide a comprehensive overview of the aluminum life cycle, including its production, traditional recycling methods, and emerging approaches such as hydrogen generation through hydrolysis. Ultimately, the analysis underscores the broader benefits of aluminum recycling, particularly its potential contribution to clean energy production and the circular economy.