[ATM] Need a Chemistry guru! OT

[Thomas Janstrom]

Hi All,

 

I need a chemistry guru to help explain something that I'm observing in a
hydroxide reaction. 

 

The basic reaction is: 6NaOH(aq) + 3Al(s) + 3H2O --> 2Al(OH)3(aq) + 3 Na2O
+ 3H2(g).

 

However I'm observing the production of two gas streams, one is composed of
very fine (submicron) bubbles the other larger (1-2mm) bubbles. I should
mention that there are two spectator metals present, platinum and cobalt. 

 

So my question (well one of them anyway!) is what is the second gas stream
(I suspect O2), but more importantly why is it being produced?

 

As this is quite off topic I'd prefer that respondents respond off list.
Unless the moderators want to entertain a segway into the world of the
atoms, that is! 

 

Cheers, Thomas.