Successful synthesis of new aluminum-based hydrogen storage alloy

09/19/2013

Successful synthesis of new aluminum-based hydrogen storage alloy

-Breakthrough toward the realization of lightweight hydrogen storage alloy with repeated hydrogen absorption and discharge capabilities-

Summary

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency in a joint research project with the Institute for Materials Research and the Advanced Institute for Materials Research at Tohoku University have succeeded in synthesizing an aluminum-based alloy in which interstitial sites of metal lattices are occupied by hydrogen atoms.

The research will provide a breakthrough to the development of a high performance hydrogen storage technology made mainly from lightweight and inexpensive aluminum for use in fuel cell vehicles.

 

Major points of the announcement:

    • Successful synthesis of interstitial hydride (Al2CuH) by hydrogenation reaction of Al2Cu alloy

    • Repeated hydrogen absorption and discharge cycles will make possible practical use as a hydrogen storage alloy

  • Accelerated research and development of interstitial hydride alloy based on lightweight metal aluminum

The research was conducted under the Survey and Study of Hydrogen Storage Materials for Fuel Cell Vehicles commissioned by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and parts of the research were carried out at the Spring-8 (Synchrotron Radiation Facility). The research results will be published in the online edition of the U.S. science journal APL Materials.

Contact

about research

Professor Shin-ichi Orimo
Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University

TEL : 81-22-215-2093

Public Relations

Keisuke Mito
General Affairs Division
Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University

TEL : +81-22-215-2181

Yasufumi Nakamichi
Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University

TEL : +81-22-217-6146