Researchers analyse potential hydrogen-storage medium

The new activated carbon materials incorporate a platinum catalyst, so hydrogen atoms can bond directly to the surface of carbon particles and then be released when needed.

‘You have to be able to pump the gas in [at room temperature] and release it when you need it to burn,’ said MIT’s Sow-Hsin Chen, senior author of a paper describing the new method.

Such a storage system could avoid the cost and weight associated with conventional hydrogen storage.

Current approaches either liquefy the gas, requiring energy-intensive systems and heavy insulation to maintain a temperature of -423°F; or store it under high pressure, requiring powerful pumps and robust tanks to withstand 5,000 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure.

Bonding the hydrogen to a highly porous, sponge-like material, such as a metal hydride or activated carbon, makes it possible to use ambient pressure and room temperature in storage tanks that could be lighter, cheaper and safer.