Properties of the clathrates of hydrogen and developments in their applicability for hydrogen storage

In contrast with the previously accepted paradigm, it is now well established that molecular hydrogen may be contained within the nano-sized cavities of clathrates. Specifically, water-based clathrate hydrates can host a significant amount of H-2 within hydrogen-bonded water cages, with interesting features such as multiple cavity occupation. Additionally, clathrate hydrate analogues have been demonstrated to hold hydrogen and novel hydrogen clathrate materials are continuing to be developed. This work discusses the structures, stabilities, occupancies, and dynamics of hydrogen clathrates and highlights recent developments towards hydrogen storage. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.