Project Title:

A Catalytic, Thermal Management System for Hydrogen-Fueled Injection Vehicles

11.01-4577
NAS3-25887
A Catalytic, Thermal Management System for
	Hydrogen-Fueled Injection Vehicles
Accel Catalysis, Inc.
	Technology Innovation Center
	Iowa City, IA 52242
		Katherine B. Gloer
(319-335-4457)

Abstract:

	A cooling system utilizing the endothermic conversion of para- to ortho-hydrogen
has the potential to meet the requirements for thermal management in hydrogen-fueled
injection vehicles. This project will determine the feasibility of developing such
a cooling system using new, alumina-supported formulations as catalysts for the conversion
of para- and ortho-hydrogen. New catalyst materials will be prepared to contain paramagnetic,
transition-metal ions dispersed in high-surface-area, porous alumina. They will be
prepared using various methods: super-homogeneous co-precipitation, sol-gel formation,
support impregnation, and combinations of these. These catalysts will be characterized
by determination of metal-ion content, total surface area, pore volume and average
diameter, and magnetic susceptibilities. Various activation techniques will be applied
to determine their influence on catalytic activities. These will be evaluated by
measuring the rate of conversion of ortho- to para-hydrogen upon cooling from ambient
temperatures to liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K).

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: A market exists for catalysts used for the conversion
of ortho- to para-hydrogen during hydrogen liquefaction.