Gas storage media, containers, and battery employing the media

Abstract

An improved hydrogen storage medium in the form of a fabric ( 124, 504, 704 ) comprises a yarn ( 300, 400 ) that includes carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes ( 302, 404 ) and elastomeric fibers ( 304, 402 ). The fabric ( 124, 504, 704 ) is a volume efficient arrangement of the carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes ( 302, 404 ) and is consequently characterized as a high density energy storage medium. According to a preferred embodiment a hydrogen storage device ( 100 ) comprises a flexible container ( 104 ) that includes the fabric ( 124 ). The flexibility of the container ( 104 ) in combination with the flexibility of the fabric ( 124 ) allows the hydrogen storage device 100 to be accommodated in irregularly shaped spaces. According to an embodiment of the invention a battery ( 700 ) uses the fabric ( 704 ) as a hydrogen storing anode.

1 . A hydrogen storage device comprising: 
 a collapsible container;    a storage medium contained in the container, the storage medium including: 
 a hydrogen absorbing fabric comprising: 
 a yarn including: 
 elastomeric fibers; and  
 one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes.  
 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The hydrogen storage device according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a heater thermally coupled to the storage medium.    
     
     
         3 . The hydrogen storage device according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 an electrical coupling coupled to the yarn.    
     
     
         4 . The hydrogen storage device according to  claim 1  wherein 
 the collapsible container comprises: 
 one or more panels of mylar film; and  
 an aluminum coating on the one or more panels of mylar film.  
   
     
     
         5 . The hydrogen storage device according to  claim 4  wherein: 
 the aluminum coating is 
 applied to exterior surfaces of the one or more panels of mylar film; and  
 the hydrogen storage device further comprises: 
 a heater including: 
 one or more metal traces on interior surfaces of one or more of the panels of mylar film.  
 
 
   
     
     
         6 . A hydrogen storage device comprising: 
 a vessel;    a roll of hydrogen absorbing fabric disposed within the vessel, wherein the hydrogen absorbing fabric includes: 
 one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes.  
   
     
     
         7 . A hydrogen storage device comprising: 
 a container;    a hydrogen absorbing felt comprising one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes, enclosed in the container.