Fuel-Cell Researchers Look to Carbon

A group of researchers has developed a new method of layering graphite that could be used someday to efficiently and safely store hydrogen in a vehicle.

If their preliminary findings hold up under more experimentation, carbon-based storage may have the most potential, among several technologies now being considered, to make fuel-cell vehicles commercially viable.

…

“[We think] it is possible store hydrogen at close to the highest theoretical concentration,” Tse says.

The graphitic material is lighter than metal hydrides storage solutions currently being explored, and is relatively cheap to create. Furthermore, it’s chemically inert and environmentally benign. Think of a pencil.

Technology Review