NANOSONIC INC. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: C56-26c

Description

There is a need to utilize advanced manufacturing concepts to improve hydrogen storage tank materials through the introduction of porous materials. Here, metal organic framework-based composites will be produced through high yield, low-cost approaches for testing as material for hydrogen storage tanks. The goals for this program are to demonstrate improvements in metal organic framework-based materials towards meeting hydrogen storage targets, and producing a material that resists hydrogen embrittlement. This program will entail engineering metal organic framework composites to deliver a densely packed, hierarchically porous composite with enhanced hydrogen binding sites to improve workable hydrogen storage capacity. These metal organic framework composites will be processable through advanced manufacturing techniques for prototype development. Using our partners, the hydrogen storage capacity and embrittlement resistance will be tested and used to down select promising material. By engineering the metal organic framework material, hydrogen storage capacity approaching 1.7 kg/L will be maintained through 5000 system cycles. In this program, a metal organic framework composite material will be developed for the purpose of advanced manufacturing hydrogen storage tanks. The compounded material will be tested by hydrogen adsorption isotherms, hydrogen swing cycle tests, and scanning electron microscope imaging to determine binding enthalpy, storage capacity, and material stability. Pricing shall be estimated during Phase I and included in the commercialization plan with a goal to reduce the overall capital cost. The proposed hydrogen storage materials differ from the current technology by the inclusion of metal organic frameworks, which offer specific binding sites for hydrogen and allow for storage at higher temperatures and pressures. Porous, printable hydrogen storage material shall be beneficial as high-capacity storage material with less energy requirements than liquid or compressed storage. These experiments shall benefit the nation by reducing the energy requirements of hydrogen storage to encourage the transition away from carbon-based fuels.