Hydrogen Research Pays Off

Researchers from UCLA have determined the mechanism that causes sodium alanate to release hydrogen at low temperatures in the presence of titanium. The low-temperature release was first described in 1997, but no one could sufficiently explain the role of titanium in the process.

By simulating the molecular dynamics of the reaction, the researchers discovered that aluminum diffusion is the limiter to how much hydrogen can be released. The addition of titanium facilitates the diffusion and therefore allows hydrogen to be released at lower temperatures.

The method used by the researchers may help facilitate the development of a practical hydrogen production and storage system for fuel cells and other hydrogen-powered devices. According to the researchers, sodium alanate does not generate enough hydrogen to provide a practical fuel source, but the method used to explain its behavior may lead researchers to superior materials and catalysts.

In a separate development, Gunze, Ltd., has announced the creation of a solid electrolyte hydrogen sensor that can be used at room temperature. Current catalytic hydrogen sensors must be heated to a temperature of 300° C because they detect the amount of heat generated by hydrogen combustion.

The new sensor detects the concentration of hydrogen ions that are freed by the action of the electrolyte and a platinum catalyst, eliminating the need for combustion measurements. In addition, the new sensor consumes less power and offers a faster response time than conventional catalytic hydrogen sensors.

The new sensor, which runs on a 12V battery, could be integrated into fuel cell vehicles, stationary fuel cells and hydrogen stations within two to three years. Its ultra-low power consumption means that the sensor can operate even on dry cells. The company is tentatively aiming to bring the sensor to market for less than $950 per unit. The development is interesting because a single fuel cell vehicle requires four sensors, which add substantially to the overall cost of the vehicle.