Project focuses on solid-state storage system for hydrogen

The Glasgow University chemists are working with EADS to alter the design and material composition of a storage tank to prove the feasibility of using solid-state hydrogen for aircraft and cars.

If the developments to the tank structure are successful, EADS is planning to fly an unmanned hydrogen-powered test aircraft in 2014 with a longer-term view of introducing commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen.

Duncan Gregory, professor of inorganic materials at the School of Chemistry at Glasgow University, is leading the research. He is using nanotechnology to alter the structure of the Hydrisafe tank, which is a new design under development by Hydrogen Horizons, a Scottish-registered start-up company.

The university and EADS Innovation Works (IW) have secured funding from the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network — part of the UK Technology Strategy Board — and the EPSRC. This will allow a student to carry out a four-year PhD project, spending time at the university and the company’s offices in Ottobrunn, Germany.