Imagine trying to store a huge amount of gas in a small space without using dangerous, high-pressure tanks. This work creates a way to turn hydrogen into a liquid-like ammonia for long-term storage and uses special 3D-printed 'sponges' to hold hydrogen for short-term use. It's like switching from a bulky balloon to a compact, efficient battery for gas.
Hydrogen is difficult to store long-term and expensive to store short-term due to the need for high-pressure, costly cylinders. Current systems often require extreme temperatures and pressures that increase operational costs.
A 3D-printed periodic open cell structured reactor for ammonia synthesis and a conformable cryo-vessel for 3D-printed MOF storage bodies.
If you are a plant operator dealing with seasonal energy surpluses — this project developed a 3D-printed reactor that converts hydrogen to ammonia at lower temperatures and pressures. This allows for cost-efficient long-term storage of renewable energy.
If you are a vehicle manufacturer dealing with expensive high-pressure tanks — this project developed 3D-printed MOF bodies in a cryo-vessel. This achieves 40g/L of usable space at 100 bar at a cost competitive with current 600-1,000 euros/kg H2 cylinders.
If you are a gas supplier dealing with inefficient hydrogen distribution — this project developed advanced catalysts and membranes in a periodic open cell structured reactor. This enables a more resource-effective process for ammonia-based hydrogen storage.
The short-term storage solution aims for a cost competitive with current high pressure cylinders, which range from 600 to 1,000 euros/kg H2.
The project is validating both short-term and long-term solutions at TRL 5.
Based on available project data, the definition of exploitable results and IPR strategies is currently ongoing as part of WP1.
The MOF-based short-term storage achieves a capacity of 40g/L of usable space at 100 bar.
The project period runs from 2022-06-01 to 2026-05-31, with the goal of reaching TRL 5 prototypes.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with 10 industrial partners (53% industry ratio), including 3 SMEs, across 7 European countries. This strong commercial presence, combined with 3 universities and 6 research centers, suggests a high focus on commercial viability and industrial application rather than pure academic research.
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