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Polymeric hydrogen diffusion barrier, high-pressure storage tank so equipped, method of fabricating a storage tank and method of preventing hydrogen diffusion

Patent ·
OSTI ID:984455

An electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier which comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an intermediate electrolyte layer, which is conductive to protons and substantially impermeable to hydrogen. A catalytic metal present in or adjacent to the anode layer catalyzes an electrochemical reaction that converts any hydrogen that diffuses through the electrolyte layer to protons and electrons. The protons and electrons are transported to the cathode layer and reacted to form hydrogen. The hydrogen diffusion barrier is applied to a polymeric substrate used in a storage tank to store hydrogen under high pressure. A storage tank equipped with the electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier, a method of fabricating the storage tank, and a method of preventing hydrogen from diffusing out of a storage tank are also disclosed.

Research Organization:
Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-99ID13727
Assignee:
Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (Idaho Falls, ID)
Patent Number(s):
7,402,234
Application Number:
10/881,871
OSTI ID:
984455
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (1)

Fuel cells: A handbook (Revision 3) report January 1994