Uchrin J., Uchrin R., Uchrin J., Uchrin R.
Hydrogen Related Materials LLC, US
Keywords: hydrogen storage, structured carbon nanotubes
The main objective is achieving and exceeding the benchmark of 6.5% H2 to system weight ratio set by the Department of Energy. The reported gravimetric storage of H2 in various carbon materials shows quite large variation (0.42 – 67.55 wt %). These earlier reported values must be verified on well-characterized material under controlled conditions. There is no clear understanding of the storage mechanism and the effect of materials on hydrogen storage and there is no clear intrinsic property of nanotubes. For good and reproduceable results the initial materials must be characterized like in the semiconductor industry. At present time not enough attention is being paid to the initial parameters of the starting material. Our main research task is to produce so called Structured Carbon Nanotubes for hydrogen storage, achieving the benchmark of 6.5 wt % H2 to system weight ratio. This procedure includes high-energy ball-mill technology and thermal annealing of well defined and characterized graphite. An innovative approach can be added by changing the CNT surfaces in order to produce active surface centers with unusually high catalytic activity. This innovative new approach will correspond to the Basic Energy Science long-term measures, providing new knowledge and excellent technique.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2008 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 513 - 513
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Energy Storage
ISBN: 1-4200-8502-0