Scientists at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory observed an unexpected result while polishing a newly engineered aluminum nano-powder: it began to produce hydrogen.

Hydrogen, the most plentiful element in the universe, has the potential to power fuel cells and provide energy to future soldiers. Fuel cells generate electricity quietly, efficiently and without pollution. One kilogram of the aluminum powder can produce 220 kilowatts of power in just three minutes.

TechLink, the Department of Defense’s national partnership, is helping the Army Research Laboratory find qualified companies to commercialize the discovery.

In this episode of the High Speed, Low Drag podcast, Dr. Brian Metzger, senior technology manager at TechLink, discusses the technology and explains how interested businesses should proceed.