Controlling Foaming in Hydrogen Release from Boranes

Technology Marketing SummaryAmmonia Borane is a compound that has excellent potential as a hydrogen storage material for fuel cell power applications. However, as ammonia borane releases hydrogen during heating, the material expands to 10-100 times the original volume). This expansion complicates processing in fuel cell power applications. This solution controls the amount of foam produced so these compounds can be efficiently used to their fullest chemical potential. DescriptionThis process involves the use of an additive to ammonia borane, methyl cellulose, which preserves the ammonia borane fuel form factor. In the described formulation methyl cellulose acts as an anti-foaming agent, effectively suppressing and controlling foaming during hydrogen release from solid borane fuel pellets without changing any other properties of the borane or affecting its ability to release hydrogen. Additional formulations using siloxane polymers or sorbitol have also proven to control foaming in appropriately fashioned formulations. Benefits

• Cleaner way to produce hydrogen from boranes and borohydrides
• Retention of fuel form factors simplifies and improves process efficiency
• Materials are environmentally friendly

Applications and Industries

• Automotive auxiliary and propulsion power
• Distributed and remote power generation
• Small consumer electronics

Patents and Patent Applications

ID Number	Title and Abstract	Primary Lab	Date
Application 20090302269	Process and Composition for Controlling Foaming in Bulk Hydrogen Storage and Releasing Materials New methods and compositions are disclosed that minimize foaming in hydrogen-releasing materials. Foaming can be minimized during release of hydrogen in composites that include structured forms such as wafers and discs. Change tolerances of from 0% to 25% in solid products described show promise for next-generation fuel elements and devices.	Pacific Northwest National Laboratory	06/02/2009 Filed

Technology Status

Technology ID	Development Stage	Availability	Published	Last Updated
15911	Prototype - Elimination of foaming demonstrated on lab scale. See the figure at right.	Available - Available for licensing in all fields	09/10/2010	09/22/2010