Feasibility of H-2-THF-H2O clathrate hydrates for hydrogen storage applications

Hydrogen storage capacity of hydrogen clathrate hydrates H-2-THF-H2O was directly measured using gravimetric method. The amount of hydrogen stored in a bulk piece of ice was below 0.1 wt% even after prolonged exposure to hydrogen at 150 bar. It is confirmed that fine dispersion of material is required to improve kinetics of hydrogen uptake. To achieve a fine dispersion of ice grains, it is proposed to use rather common light framework materials with size of pore sizes of about 200-300 mu m as a support media. The samples dispersed in foamed polyurethane showed measurable hydrogen uptake at 135 bar H-2 pressure and release. However, the amount of stored hydrogen was found maximum on the level of 0.2 wt%. (C) 2007 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.