Hydrogen storage materials with a large capacity are needed to store, transport, and utilize hydrogen for fuel cells. This project will employ a unique combinatorial technique for rapidly screening a number of nanocrystalline alloys and intermetallics, in order to identify prospective compositions with hydrogen storage capacities of approximately 5 to 6 wt%. These compositions will be tailored for applications in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Issues concerning scale-up and commercialization also will be examined. In Phase I, samples of the thin film alloys and intermetallic compositions will be prepared using sputtering equipment that takes advantage of the combinatorial chemistry approach. The samples will be analyzed for their hydrogen sorption capability at a number of fixed temperatures and pressures. Plans will be drawn for the manufacture of those compositions that show promise for fuel cell applications.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The material compositions should find use in the storage and transportation of hydrogen for fuel cells, such as those needed for the hybrid electric vehicles. Other benefits would include reductions in pollution and in the Nations dependence of foreign oil
