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GKN Hydrogen’s metal hydride technology works by chemically storing hydrogen in a solid form through the formation of metal hydrides. The core principle involves a reversible chemical reaction between hydrogen gas and a metal alloy, where hydrogen atoms are absorbed and bonded into the metal’s structure, creating a metal hydride compound.
How the Technology Works
- Hydrogen Absorption: Hydrogen gas (H₂) is introduced to a metal alloy within the storage tank. The hydrogen molecules dissociate into atomic hydrogen, which is absorbed into the metal lattice at interstitial sites—small spaces within the metal structure.
- Formation of Metal Hydride: The metal and hydrogen form a stable chemical compound called a metal hydride (MHₓ). This process is exothermic, meaning it releases heat as hydrogen is absorbed.
- Storage at Low Pressure: Unlike traditional hydrogen storage methods requiring high-pressure tanks, metal hydrides store hydrogen compactly at relatively low pressures (typically 1 to 10 atmospheres). The solid metal hydride “sponges” hydrogen, eliminating the need for compression.
- Hydrogen Release: To recover hydrogen for use, heat must be added to the metal hydride material. Adding heat shifts the equilibrium of the reaction, causing the metal hydride to release hydrogen gas.
This reversible adsorption/desorption cycle allows safe, compact, and efficient hydrogen storage and delivery for applications such as fuel cells in vehicles or portable energy devices.
Summary of Key Features
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Storage mechanism | Chemical bonding of hydrogen atoms in metal alloy (metal hydride formation) |
| Physical state | Solid hydrogen storage rather than compressed gas or liquid hydrogen |
| Pressure conditions | Low-pressure storage (around 1-10 atm) |
| Heat interaction | Heat released during absorption (exothermic); heat required for hydrogen release |
| Safety and compactness | Safer and more compact than compressed/liquid hydrogen tanks due to chemical bonding |
GKN Hydrogen leverages this metal hydride principle to enable energy storage solutions that are space-efficient, safer, and well-suited for fuel cell applications, making it a promising technology for hydrogen energy systems.
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