University of Queensland research has led to a $9.25 million investment in hydrogen storage innovation.
World leader in gases for industry, health and the environment Air Liquide and the Australian Government鈥檚 Southern Cross Renewable Energy Fund are investing the money in Hydrexia, a spin-off company from 宅男导航.
宅男导航 President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter H酶j said the deal was testament to 宅男导航鈥檚 outstanding global research profile.
鈥溦械己解�檚 distinguished history in the solidification of metals confirms its contribution to ground-breaking engineering innovations,鈥� Professor H酶j said.
鈥淩esearch outcomes such as these are building on our existing reputation for excellence and add to the vast array of expertise 宅男导航 has demonstrated in the broader energy area, including our multidisciplinary .鈥�
宅男导航 researchers Professor Arne Dahle and Associate Professor Kazuhiro Nogita from the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering led the development of effective and reliable hydrogen storage technology in 2002, using a new magnesium alloy as a hydride.
Associate Professor Nogita said the pair used a natural solidification process to create an alloy that could absorb hydrogen at relatively low pressures, much like a sponge absorbs water.
鈥淭he hydrogen remains safely stored, being released when required by heating the alloy,鈥� Associate Professor Nogita said.
The commercial potential of the research resulted in 宅男导航鈥檚 commercialisation arm, UniQuest, creating start-up company Hydrexia Pty Ltd in 2006.
Hydrexia Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Ng said Hydrexia's storage systems had demonstrated commercial-scale hydrogen storage systems under field test conditions, delivering safety and practical advantages over conventional compressed gas systems.
He said the ability to produce the alloy using conventional casting equipment, and at large scale, generated significant economic benefits over hydrogen storage materials produced by high energy processes.
鈥淲e believe that Hydrexia鈥檚 alloy 鈥� hydride 鈥搈akes possible the production of high density and high performance hydrogen storage systems at a competitive price compared to existing compressed gas technologies,鈥� Mr Ng said.
Media: Marketing and Communications Manager, Trent Leggatt, t.leggatt@uq.edu.au or 3346 9976
