Hydrogen storage properties of clathrate hydrate materials

The design of hydrogen storage materials that achieve all of the U.S. Department of Energy's 2015 goals (storage capacity, operating conditions, reversibility, cost, etc.) has proved to be a challenge. Recent progress in the area of clathrate hydrates suggests many potential advantages when compared with other “conventional” materials. In this work, the hydrogen storage potential of several clathrate systems (including sII, semi-clathrates, and Jeffrey's structures) has been investigated by high-pressure Raman spectroscopy, by direct gas release measurements, and by theoretical storage considerations. Some key findings of this work include new insights into the spectral properties of hydrogen molecules within hydrate cavities and the maximum possible hydrogen storage capacity of different clathrate structures. Ultimately, these findings will aid in the design and production of new hydrogen storage materials.