Safe Packaging of Ammonia for Compact Hydrogen Sources

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to demonstrate the utility of using Metal Organic Framework (MOF) materials for the safe, low pressure storage of ammonia. MOF's are self assembled organic inorganic hybrid materials that are low density, nanoporouscrystalline solids. The exact structure of these materials can be tailored for unit cell size and therefore pore diameter. These materials are expected to provide similar room temperature hydrogen atom densities as 3000 psi hydrogen gas storage at twoorders of magnitude lower pressure by utilizing the MOF nanopore structure. The polar nature of the ammonia molecule provides pore condensation enhancement through functionalization of the organic edge of the MOF to retain the ammonia. During the Phase Iprogram PSI will optimize the MOF pore structure and chemistry to maximize the ammonia storage and delivery parameters. PSI has assembled a Phase I team that includes: Prof. Omar Yaghi of the University of Michigan who designed the MOF materials, andProf. Doug Way of the Colorado School of Mines who has developed a membrane reactor for the conversion of ammonia to hydrogen and modeled their operation. On a Phase I Option PSI will fine tune the functionalization of the MOF and expand the isothermmeasurement range. The major benefits of the proposed energy storage design are higher power and specific energy densities than are attainable using batteries. Successful development of this energy storage system will find widespread use for powergeneration in portable tools, communication equipment, and remote and emergency power applications.