MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORP — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: AF103-225

Description

ABSTRACT: This proposal outlines a scalable, low-cost procedure for fabrication of hierarchical hybrid nanomaterials that produce ultra-high pressure tolerance and surface area vessels. These vessels enable physical storage of hydrogen through compression and adsorption at densities predicted to exceed DOE 2015 requirements by 65% and 98% for volumetric and gravimetric standards. In Phase I Mainstream exceeded DoEs 2015 gravimetric requirement by 2-fold and achieved 75% of DoEs 2015 target value for volumetric storage. The hybrid nanomaterial is composed of a moderate strength structure with tunable orientation, surface area and volume. It is additionally included with high strength material to enhance vessel pressure tolerance and hydrogen physisorption without loss of volumetric storage. Furthermore, the novel storage medium comprises a safe technology that would gain immediate market penetration in the area of hydrogen storage, transportation and delivery. Phase II will demonstrate this technology as well as demonstrate system storage densities in excess of 100 g-hydrogen/L-system and 12% g-hydrogen/g-system; well beyond DoEs 2015 targets. Safe, portable and low-pressure hydrogen compression will also be demonstrated with the technology as a safe and controlled hydrogen release mechanism. A scale-up production plan, market study and market penetration points will be completed by the end of Phase II. BENEFIT: The development of this nanomaterial hybrid vessel for hydrogen storage would have immediate application in hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen powered applications. The vessel could safely store hydrogen for transport and delivery but would also facilitate a controllable yet high flow rate of hydrogen release.