HydroGraph partners with CEAMS in the UK

HydroGraph UK and the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) are collaborating to develop graphene-enhanced polymer liners for hydrogen storage tanks. These liners aim to be lighter and thinner, addressing key challenges in hydrogen storage technology.

CEAMS is a collaboration involving the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), Henry Royce Institute, National Composites Centre (NCC), and the University of Manchester.

Current hydrogen storage systems face challenges due to their weight and cost, primarily driven by the carbon fiber overwrap of Type IV tanks. The polymer liner within these tanks, typically made of nylon, is prone to brittle failure, blistering, and degradation under pressure cycling. Addressing these issues is crucial for developing a more cost-effective and lightweight tank system.

HydroGraph UK is working on graphene-enhanced nylon compounds to directly address these failure modes. They partnered with CEAMS to utilize its testing infrastructure and expertise to thoroughly characterize these compounds. The testing program evaluated mechanical performance, creep, fatigue, low temperature behavior, and the impact of graphene dispersion within the nylon.

Comprehensive characterization is essential, as a compound that improves barrier properties but compromises mechanical integrity, or fails at low temperatures, is not viable. CEAMS' capabilities have allowed HydroGraph to develop a complete performance profile of their materials.

The project aims to deliver the first fully characterized graphene-enhanced nylon compound, validated across key mechanical failure modes for Type IV hydrogen tank liners. In the short term, this could lead to thinner, more durable liners that are easier to manufacture. In the long term, enhanced mechanical performance and barrier properties could reduce the need for carbon fiber overwrap, addressing the primary cost and weight factors in Type IV tanks.

If successful, this advancement would improve the cost and efficiency of hydrogen storage systems, supporting hydrogen's viability as a transport fuel. Tony Maxwell from NPL highlighted the role of advanced measurement techniques in this innovation, while Dr. Suhao Li from HydroGraph UK emphasized the importance of CEAMS' precise measurement capabilities in validating their technology.