Coated metal hydrides for energy storage applications

Hydrogen is an integral part of the move towards clean, sustainable energy systems. One key issue is that of gas storage. The safest option is the use of solid hydrides that can absorb and release hydrogen on demand. However, storage systems must combine fast kinetics with the practicalities of system manufacturing. Thus, while the move towards high surface to volume nano-particulates appears attractive, safe handling and containing these materials presents difficulties. An alternative approach was proposed here to coat metal hydride large particles to aid kinetics that require no activation. Larger particles fluidise easily and the coatings allow safer handling in air. This project also integrates other hydrides, catalysts and conducting fillers into the powders to improve kinetics and thermal conductivity. This will result in innovative advanced materials that have many potential applications including static energy storage systems. It is intended to demonstrate the technology by utilising it in: (1) a heat store for concentrated solar power and (2) domestic heat stores, (3) static hydrogen storage for capturing excess electricity generation.