Feasibility of H2H2–THF–H2OH2O clathrate hydrates for hydrogen storage applications

Hydrogen storage capacity of hydrogen clathrate hydrates H2H2–THF–H2OH2O was directly measured using gravimetric method. The amount of hydrogen stored in a bulk piece of ice was below 0.1wt% even after prolonged exposure to hydrogen at 150bar. 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 200–300μm as a support media. The samples dispersed in foamed polyurethane showed measurable hydrogen uptake at 135barH2 pressure and release. However, the amount of stored hydrogen was found maximum on the level of 0.2wt%.