Next generation hydrogen storage liquids

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The project on New Generation Hydrogen Storage Liquids brings together researchers at Queen's and UBC to work on a promising approach to hydrogen storage for transportation vehicles.  Fuel cell powered cars use hydrogen as a fuel source and require an effective method for storing hydrogen on-board; however, storing the hydrogen as a compressed gas takes too much space.  This issue has been a significant barrier to the development of fuel cells for transportation, and there are currently no practical methods available.  Recent work on organic liquids that can store hydrogen has shown that relatively high storage densities can be obtained from these fluids.  When heated in the presence of a catalyst in the vehicle, the hydrogenated fluid gives off its hydrogen and is turned back into the original liquid in the process.  The fluids can later be regenerated with more hydrogen and reused.  This proposal intends to strengthen Canada's leading role in fuel cells by creating a strategic research program on hydrogen storage liquids for transportation applications, particularly automobiles.  The commercial use of fuel cells for transportation is a key aspect of GHG and smog reduction and import in the effective use of renewable energy. A multidisciplinary team has been assembled to tackle this complex project. The expertise of the researchers includes green chemistry, catalysis, process development, and chemical thermodynamics.  The applicants will train eight graduate and undergraduate students and a post-doctoral fellow to develop liquids that meet all of the physical and chemical properties required for use in a vehicle.  Due to the multifaceted nature of this project, the training they will receive will make them sought after by Canadian industries and academia. This work is especially important to Canada given its leading position in fuel cell technologies.  Without effective hydrogen storage, the development of this industry beyond niche applications and into the commercial sector will be delayed.  This could jeopardize Canada's premier place in the fuel cell sector.