HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND STORAGE

Abstract

The development of a cheap, safe method for the production and storage of hydrogen gas could lead to the more widespread use of hydrogen as a fuel, particularly for motor vehicles. The aims of this project are to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production by the solar-assisted electrolysis of water, and to improve the storage processes, in particular using hydrides, with a view to designing, building, and demonstrating a prototype system at a later stage. Titanium electrodes were developed for producing hydrogen from solar energy, at an efficiency of approximately two per cent, and an Australian patent was obtained for the process. Further improvements in efficiency were sought by preparing other semi-conducting films, modifying the titanium electrodes, and investigating the mechanisms of hydrogen production. Hydrogen was stored as iron-titanium hydride using alloys prepared by argon arc melting and induction melting in batches of up to 2 kg wt. Facilities are available for 100 kg batches. The alloy structures and properties were evaluated, and compared with those of commercially available alloys. Some collaborative work was commenced with Melbourne University on a hydrogen fuelled vehicled which will use iron-titanium hydride (NERDDC project 79/9237). (Author/TRRL)