Hydrogen Generation & Storage

The successful introduction and exploitation of the Hydrogen Economy relies upon reductions in the costs of renewable hydrogen production and the development of a safe, reliable and cost effective methods of hydrogen storage and transportation.

Hydrogen gas is a clean, carbon-free fuel. Many renewable sources of energy can generate hydrogen, which can then be efficiently converted to electricity using a fuel cell. Ideally hydrogen storage methods should also be lightweight and compact in order to make it suitable for portable applications, for example as a fuel supply for a vehicle. Several technologies are being explored and developed including high pressure cylinders and solid state materials which reversibly and repeatedly absorb and release hydrogen upon heating.

C-Tech Innovation is actively researching solid state materials. In particular we are developing an innovative physical process which enhances the hydrogen storage behaviour of metals and alloys. This exciting process affects the materials in a way that is very different but also complimentary to research elsewhere involving catalysts. The process has already been proven to accelerate both the absorption/desorption kinetics of hydrogen into and out of the metals and alloys, and also solid state diffusion within the material.

Improving these two critical factors will lead to hydrogen storage materials which operate at lower temperatures, further increasing the viability of the technology and the breadth of applications for which it is suitable.

The creative atmosphere at C-Tech Innovation is central to the development of such innovative research. If you are interested in collaborating with us on novel solutions to the issues of hydrogen generation, storage and transport, please contact us.