Fabrication, Property and Function of the Nanostructured Surface Barrier for Hydrogen Storage

本研究的目标是在金属表面大量制造纳米结构材料，从而使其具有独特的性能，适用于储氢基础设施，从而最大限度地减少氢的损失和脆化。我们的目标是从一个令人信服的清洁能源未来的愿景中实现氢经济。研究方法是开发一种自上而下的表面纳米化技术来制备金属衬里表面的纳米结构层。纳米结构、微观结构演变和表面完整性之间的基本关系将被表征。多尺度有限元模拟模型将揭示微观结构演变和表面完整性的机制。最后，将采用实验和力学相结合的方法来评估纳米结构表面屏障对氢损失和脆化的影响。如果成功，这项研究将为大规模生产纳米结构材料创造一个新的知识库，以满足生产需求。广泛的影响包括制造储氢基础设施和汽车、航空航天、运输、机械和工具行业的各种金属部件的高效和经济的表面纳米结晶工艺。此次研究成果将为加强国家能源安全和减少空气污染，提高美国氢经济的竞争力。这项研究将为纳米制造和氢经济提供教育材料，加强研究和教育基础设施，促进学术界教育工作者与劳伦斯利弗莫尔国家实验室和氢罐行业研究人员之间的合作和技术转移。此外，这项研究将促进外展活动，包括与谢尔顿州立大学和阿拉巴马州斯蒂尔曼社区学院的合作，以吸引科学和工程领域代表性不足的群体。

The objective of this research is to fabricate nanostructured materials in a massive way on metallic surfaces resulting in unique performance applicable to hydrogen storage infrastructure which will minimize hydrogen loss and embrittlement. The goal is to realize the hydrogen economy from a compelling vision of a clean energy future. The research approach is to develop a top-down surface nanocrystallization technique to fabricate the nanostructured surface layer on metallic liners. The basic relationships between nanostructures, microstructural evolution, and surface integrity will be characterized. A multiscale finite element simulation model will be developed to reveal mechanisms of microstructural evolution and surface integrity. Finally, the effects of nanostructured surface barriers on hydrogen loss and embrittlement will be evaluated using the coupled experimental and mechanistic approaches.If successful, this research will create a new knowledge base of massive production of nanostructured materials to meet production needs. The broad impact includes an efficient and cost-effective surface nanocrystallizing process for manufacturing hydrogen storage infrastructure and various metallic components for automotive, aerospace, transportation, machinery, and tooling industries. The discoveries from this research would boost competitiveness of the U.S. hydrogen economy for strengthening national energy security and reducing air pollution. This research will provide educational materials for nanomanufacturing and hydrogen economy, enhance research and education infrastructure, and promote collaboration and technology transfer between educators in academia and researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Lab and hydrogen tank industry. In addition, this research will foster outreach activities including the partnership with Shelton State University and Stillman Community College in Alabama to involve underrepresented groups in science and engineering.