Background: Hydrogen gas has been identified as an energy carrier with the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However the transportation and storage of hydrogen is inhibited by the highly corrosive properties of the gas. The inability of current methods to contain hydrogen without any leakage has only added to the transportation problems. The hydrogen polymer described in this technology is a means of efficient storage of hydrogen gas. Storing hydrogen gas is generally a costly endeavor due to loss resulting from leakage and boil-off. traditional methods of storage such as stainless steel tanks even those lined with Fusion Bonded Epoxies are not able to circumvent these problems. Non-traditional methods of storage such as solid state nano tubes and nanofibers are cost prohibitive and difficult to develop. The polymer can be an addition to tank storage methods and pipelines that will increase their performance. It can also be used as the primary composition material for these types of vessels. As a solution to these problems the novel polymer described in the said technology could be used as the primary material in producing vessels that hold hydrogen gas or as a coating to other vessels currently in use for efficient storage and transportation. Technology Description: The technology is an elastomeric biopolymer that can be used to contain hydrogen gas. The polymer is produced by yeast of the saccharomyces family and is unique in that it is capable of holding hydrogen gas without letting any of it escape. The polymer’s elastomeric properties mean that it can expand to hold more hydrogen without tearing or rupturing. Current methods of hydrogen gas containment and transportation are subject to the corrosive properties of hydrogen but the yeast based polymer will prevent containment and transportation materials from being exposed to hydrogen and thereby eliminate the possibility of deterioration of these materials. Applications: 1) Used as a liner to current transportation 2) Containment methods of hydrogen gas. 3) Reducing maintenance and replacement costs. 4) Natural gas industry
1) Adaptable to current technologies 2) Ease of production and application 3) Cost effective 4) Ability to stretch and increase containment area