SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
GAS STORAGE USING MICROPOROUS CARBON ADSORBENTS
Technical Abstract:
This project addresses the manufacture of activated carbons with the pore structure
engineered for maximum gas-storage capacity. Hydrogen and hydrocarbon storage for the
use in propulsion systems and fuel cells is perhaps the most important application.
Although adsorption on activated carbons is the most promising alternative to the costly
cryogenic and high-pressure storage, the currently available activated carbons are
inadequate for this purpose. By design, a large portion of their porosity resides in
mesopores (pore size, dp = 2-50 nm), while microporosity (dp < 2 nm) is most desirable
for gas storage applications. The overall objective is to develop a method of manufacturing
microporous adsorbents for lightweight, high energy density storage of gases (H2 and
CH4). The objective of the Phase I program is to demonstrate the feasibility of using novel
(proprietary) char-activation techniques and computer modeling to manufacture chars with a
pore structure compatible with high storage capacity and high delivery rates. Five tasks are
envisaged: (1) predictive modeling of pore-size evolution during char activation; (2)
preparation of activated carbons; (3) material characterization; (4) predictive modeling of
delivery rates; and (5) high-pressure adsorption/desorption testing. The Phase II program
will involve more extensive material characterization and further optimization of the
activation process. This will be accomplished in the following tasks: (1) examination of
several coals to identify the most suitable starting material; (2) examination of several
activation agents (steam, air, CO2, KOH, etc.) to determine the most advantageous process
conditions; further material characterization. Special techniques (e.g., n-nonane
preadsorption) and/or additional adsorbates (e.g., N2, Ar, n-butane) will be used for better
characterization of microporosity, if needed. Adsorption isotherms at several temperatures
will be determined; (3) further development of a computer code capable of accurately
predicting the evolution of (micro)porosity during coal/char activation and its correlation
with H2 storage capacity; and (4) process assessment leading to specific recommendations
for the manufacture of activated carbon and its use for hydrogen storage. The Phase I
project will be done jointly by Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. (AFR) and Simons Research
Associates (SRA). The Phase II program will involve the additional participation of an
activated carbon producer and/or automobile manufacturer in a consulting or subcontracting
role. In Phase II, a prototype gas-storage system will be constructed. Process
optimization and economic analysis will also be performed. In addition, methods to further
increase storage capacity by means of more compact packing of the adsorbent will be
examined.
Potential Commercial Applications:
The expected result of the project will be a method of manufacturing microporous carbons
for high energy density gas storage. The method will allow the production of chars with a
pore structure tailored to meet specific delivery rates.The developed carbons would find
applications in on-board storage of hydrogen and hydrocarbons for propulsion systems and
fuel cells (spacecraft, submarines, fuel cell powered automobiles, trucks, buses,
locomotives, etc.). Non-aerospace applications with immediate time horizons include
methane or natural gas used as an alternative fuel for the existing vehicles (lower pollution).
New export opportunities associated with the new adsorbents would improve U.S.
competitiveness overseas. The product would also open up new markets for domestic
anthracites. Improved hydrogen storage could also lead to a nearly immediate application
of H2 in internal-combustion engines (non-polluting and about 25% more efficient than
gasoline).
Name and Address of Offeror:
Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.
87 Church Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Hu, Hughes STX.
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996