Importance

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Abstract

A method for storing and releasing hydrogen fuel includes providing a hydrogenated material in a chamber, introducing a catalyst into the chamber, heating the chamber to about 190.degree. C., separating at least part of the material into dehydrogenated material and hydrogen and releasing the hydrogen from the chamber. A preferred catalyst is a transition metal complex, such as the iridium based complex IrH.sub.4 {2,6C.sub.6 H.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 P(C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).sub.2).sub.2 }. To reverse the process, a hydrogen pressure of about 10 atmospheres or more is provided, and the dehydrogenated material and hydrogen are combined at about or at least 100.degree. C. to regenerate the hydrogenated material. The small, lightweight system for carrying out the present method includes a chamber containing hydrogenated material and a catalyst, and having an outlet with a selectively permeable membrane for releasing hydrogen and containing hydrogenated material and a homogenous catalyst. A heat source for heating the material is positioned in, proximate to or remote from the chamber. A pressurizing hydrogen source delivers hydrogen gas to the chamber to regenerate the hydrogenated material. Vehicular apparatus or other devices requiring fuel sources may be retrofitted or equipped with the present system.

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First Claim