Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has had its researchers investigating how to separate high-purity hydrogen from a variety of mixed gases over the years. Recently they have joined much of the energy community in noting the beneficial H2 storage capacity of NH3 (remember, it can store H2 in 17.6% of its molecular weight!). CSIRO’s most recent and innovative contribution is the development of a thin metal membrane that can separate H2 from NH3 used as a H2 carrier. Green Car Congress has summarized their process and use of the membrane as follows:
“The renewable hydrogen would first be converted to ammonia (in combination with nitrogen produced in a renewables-driven air separation unit), then be exported piggybacking on the existing transport infrastructure for ammonia, and finally be extracted from the ammonia using the membrane system…”
CSIRO hopes to use this new technology in a variety of applications, noting particularly its potential for use in vehicles. With regards to the latter, this membrane technology has the potential to be used modularly and thus the ability to be a component of refueling stations.
The organization is now in the early steps of a two-year project that aims show the potential of their membrane in a hydrogen production system. They have a goal of obtaining at least 5 kg/day of hydrogen directly—all from ammonia directly. Wow!
As might be expected there is widespread support for their technology and its implementation, with a recent grant of $1.7 million from SIEF and positive feedback from BOC, Hyundai, Toyota, and Renewable Hydrogen Pty Ltd. While no one can know the future of energy, it appears that everything is coming up ammonia.
“The renewable hydrogen would first be converted to ammonia (in combination with nitrogen produced in a renewables-driven air separation unit), then be exported piggybacking on the existing transport infrastructure for ammonia, and finally be extracted from the ammonia using the membrane system…”
CSIRO hopes to use this new technology in a variety of applications, noting particularly its potential for use in vehicles. With regards to the latter, this membrane technology has the potential to be used modularly and thus the ability to be a component of refueling stations.
The organization is now in the early steps of a two-year project that aims show the potential of their membrane in a hydrogen production system. They have a goal of obtaining at least 5 kg/day of hydrogen directly—all from ammonia directly. Wow!
As might be expected there is widespread support for their technology and its implementation, with a recent grant of $1.7 million from SIEF and positive feedback from BOC, Hyundai, Toyota, and Renewable Hydrogen Pty Ltd. While no one can know the future of energy, it appears that everything is coming up ammonia.
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