University of Arizona researchers have developed an alkali metal ion doped graphene that is used as a material for a hydrogen storage system.
Background: The majority of currently commercially available materials used for storage systems are metal. Using metal causes the system to be heavy and have a low gravimetric density. Other materials require extreme temperature and pressure conditions to control the hydrogen adsorption and desorption process. Hybrid materials require chemical or mechanical activation at a high temperature. These materials and their drawbacks are why the material is not suitable for large-scale safe commercial storage system. This invention focuses on the development of a low cost, high yield synthesis of alkali metal ion doped graphene that is also able to withstand pressure while still maintaining to charge with hydrogen. This technology possesses the potential to become the first commercialized hydrogen storage system.
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