(424f) High Capacity Reversible Hydrogen Storage Material

A new hydrogen storage material has been developed that exhibits a large reversible hydrogen stroage capacity. This material reversibly stores over 12 wt% hydrogen, with reasonble discharge rates in the 180 to 350 oC range. It can be recharged with hydrogen at relatively low temperatures below 150 oC under a hydrogen atmosphere of less than 1400 psig. These charge and discharge conditions make this new reversible hydrogen storage material at the very least suitable for on-board use with an internal combustion engine and possibly even fuel cells. This new material is the lowest temperature, highest capacity, reversible H2 storage material known to date, especially when considering the conditions that it charges and discharges at. Unique features of this material include being comprised of readily available and inexpensive materials, being prepared from a straightforward and rather conventional synthesis route, and exhibiting practical kinetics, excellent cycling characteristics, and a high reversible hydrogen storage capacity. This new hydrogen storage material has the potential to make hydrogen more feasible as an enegry carrier for transportation and stationary applications.