In a previous study we showed that tetrahydrofuran (THF) is able to stabilize structure sII of hydrogen clathrate hydrate at ambient conditions. This finding was recognized as a possible breakthrough in the development of a storage material for hydrogen [1]. Recent research established that cyclopentane (CP) is an even better promoter for structure sII than THF. At a temperature of 281 K an equilibrium pressure as low as of 2 MPa turned out to be feasible. Neutron scattering experiments are in progress to determine the hydrogen storage capacity of this material. Furthermore, it was discovered for the first time that molecules like methylcyclohexane (MCH) and others are able to stabilize structure sH in presence of hydrogen [2]. The latter structure is supposed to have a higher storage capacity for hydrogen than structure sII. Finally, we studied the kinetics of hydrogen uptake and release in structure sII, which information is of crucial interest regarding its potential applicability in the automotive sector. It was found that both processes are completely reversible [3]. A spray technique proved that the solid material easily can be produced in large amounts.

References

[1] Florusse, L.J., Peters, C.J., Schoonman, J., Hester, K.C., Koh, C.A., Dec, S.F., Marsh, K.N. and Sloan, E.D., Science, 306 (2004) 469-471.

[2] Duarte, A.R.C., Shariati, A., Rovetto, L.J. and Peters, C.J., J. of Phys. Chem. B, 112 (2008) 1888-1889.

[3] Duarte, A. R. C., Zevenbergen, J., Peters, C.J., Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Gas Hydrates (ICGH 2008), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 6-10, 2008.