Hydrogen storage container with metal-based hydrogen storage fibers

Abstract

Metal-based hydrogen storage fibers capable of selectively absorbing and desorbing / releasing hydrogen gas, and hydrogen storage vessels comprising the fibers, wherein the fibers are preferably arranged in a fabric. The fabric is a porous structure with a large surface area, which is well suited for hydrogen storage and transport. A hydrogen storage system is provided with attractive properties. Hydrogen storage in metal hydride fibers provides a compact and safe method of hydrogen storage, wherein hydrogen molecules in the gas phase can be adsorbed on the surface of the fibers, thereby forming metal hydrides, or dissociated into individual hydrogen atoms, which can further diffuse into the bulk of the metal hydride fiber and occupy sites in the metal hydride fiber matrix.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to metal-based hydrogen storage fibers capable of selectively absorbing and desorbing / releasing hydrogen, and to hydrogen storage containers comprising such fibers, wherein the fibers are preferably arranged in the form of a fabric. This fabric is a porous structure with a large surface area, making it ideal for hydrogen storage and transportation. The invention advantageously provides a hydrogen storage system with attractive properties. Hydrogen storage in metal hydride fibers provides a compact and safe method for hydrogen storage, wherein hydrogen molecules in the gas phase can be adsorbed onto the fiber surface to form metal hydrides, or dissociated into individual hydrogen atoms, which can further diffuse into the fiber and occupy sites within the metal hydride fiber matrix. Background Technology

[0002] The world is seeking alternative fuel sources to replace fossil fuels as the primary energy source, especially in the transportation sector.

[0003] While batteries offer an alternative to fossil fuels, they also have drawbacks. For example, most batteries, when used alone, are insufficient to power heavy-duty trucks, trains, and airplanes. Furthermore, long charging times hinder the adoption of battery technology. For commercial vehicles, longer charging times mean reduced productivity, as the vehicles remain idle during charging.

[0004] Hydrogen is another alternative fuel that can be produced using solar and wind power, and can be stored and transported. Hydrogen produced using green energy sources such as solar, wind, wave, or hydropower is considered green hydrogen.

[0005] Green hydrogen represents the ultimate renewable and clean energy source for the hydrogen economy. Various static storage solutions exist for hydrogen, applicable to power plants, utility microgrids, manufacturing facilities, and even homes. However, for cars, trucks, trailers, and airplanes, hydrogen storage and transportation remain the most challenging tasks. Hydrogen is very light, and it is extremely difficult to store sufficient quantities in tanks suitable for mobile vehicles. Liquid hydrogen offers improved energy density, but it must be maintained at extremely low temperatures below -252.8°C. Advanced thermal management systems are required, and the cost is very high. Compressed hydrogen can also be used to power mobile objects via hydrogen combustion engines or hydrogen fuel cells. However, even at extremely high pressures of 300-700 bar, the amount of hydrogen that can be stored in tanks or containers is very limited. Currently, hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles operate using compressed hydrogen. Due to its low energy density and high cost, it has not yet been widely adopted for passenger cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes.

[0006] Over the past few decades, metal hydrides have been extensively studied as hydrogen storage media. It is known that some transition metals can absorb / adsorb hydrogen to form metal hydrides under suitable conditions, such as high pressure. Metal hydrides can release hydrogen at higher temperatures or under reduced pressure. This process is reversible, and metal hydrides can store more hydrogen than other forms of hydrogen, such as liquid hydrogen and compressed hydrogen gas. Recently, GKN Hydrogen developed a solid-state hydrogen storage system using metal hydride blocks as the storage medium. This technology is suitable for static storage where space and weight are not a constraint, but not for hydrogen transportation because the metal hydride blocks are extremely heavy.

[0007] Past attempts to use metal hydrides involved grinding them into powder, for example by ball milling, to increase their surface area and thus improve absorption and desorption kinetics. However, ball milling is a very time-consuming and costly process. There are also safety concerns regarding metal hydride powders. Furthermore, the powder may agglomerate, reducing its efficiency over time. These powder particles can also clog filters used in hydrogen storage tanks.

[0008] U.S. Patent 4,310,601 relates to a metal hydride storage device having a hydrogenatable storage metal powder and a non-hydrogenatable material encapsulation containing the storage metal powder; wherein the storage metal powder comprises approximately 2% to 10% by weight of a substantially uniformly distributed additive of powdered non-hydrogenatable material to form a matrix powder and is contained in the encapsulation as a shape-rigid compressed or sintered body.

[0009] CN104676239 relates to a metal hydride hydrogen storage device, belonging to the field of hydrogen storage technology. The device comprises a valve, a front cover, a gas pipe, a bottle neck connector, a retaining sleeve, a sealing gasket, a filter disc, a housing, two fans, a longitudinal heat transfer finned tube, a hydrogen storage container, a hydrogen storage material bed, and a porous gas guide pipe. The bottle neck connector is connected to the hydrogen storage container and the gas pipe via the sealing gasket and the retaining sleeve. The gas pipe is connected to the porous gas guide pipe and the valve via the filter disc. The front cover and the two fans are mounted on the housing, and the longitudinal heat transfer finned tube and the hydrogen storage container are disposed within the housing. The hydrogen storage material bed and the porous gas guide pipe are disposed within the hydrogen storage container.

[0010] JP2000191301 relates to a metal hydride reactor 10, comprising an outer container 11, an inner container 12 inserted into the outer container 11, fins 13 projecting from the inner wall of the inner container 12 in a direction intersecting with a central axis and extending axially, and a porous tube 14 supported by the front end of the fins 13 and arranged along the container axis, wherein the container wall is permeable to hydrogen but impermeable to metal hydrides, and is end-sealed at one end. The metal hydride 15 fills the space enclosed by the inner container 12, the fins 13, and the porous tube 14. A fibrous material 16 fills around the other end of the porous tube 14, and the outer container 11 is stretched, thereby compressing the fibrous material 16. A connecting pipe 17, serving as a hydrogen flow channel, is connected to the end of the stretched outer container 11.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2021 / 0291267 relates to a vehicle structural component and an additive manufacturing method for forming the component. The structural component incorporates a hydrogen storage material for use in electric vehicles such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in conjunction with a hydrogen fuel cell. The hydrogen storage material can be in the form of a 3D-printed metal foam comprising a metal hydride and an inert structural metal. This material can exhibit a very low weight density, enabling it to store hydrogen at high energy density as a low-pressure solid state. The structural component carrying the hydrogen storage material can be a replaceable part of the vehicle, and the vehicle can be refueled simply by replacing the depleted component with a hydrogen-filled replacement.

[0012] Hydro Quebec has also developed metal hydride technology using manganese hydride molecular sieves as a hydrogen storage medium. These manganese hydrides are reportedly formed as nanoparticles with a porous structure, allowing hydrogen to be added or released over a reasonable timeframe. However, the process of manufacturing such molecular sieves is quite time-consuming and energy-intensive, thus limiting their practicality in the real world.

[0013] Research has been conducted on using hydrogen fuel cells to power electric motors in vehicles. Compared to battery-powered electric motors, hydrogen fuel cells can extend the driving time between recharges, but significant challenges remain. A major drawback to the wider use of hydrogen as a vehicle fuel remains the lack of acceptable hydrogen storage media. Traditionally, hydrogen has been stored as a gaseous phase under high pressure or a liquid phase at extremely low temperatures. Unfortunately, high-pressure hydrogen storage containers are bulky, heavy, and pose safety hazards, especially when considered for use in vehicles, while cryogenic liquid phase storage is even less feasible for vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen combustion engines.

[0014] What is needed in the art is a system and method for safely and efficiently storing and releasing hydrogen into hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen combustion engines that can be used to power electric vehicles. A low-pressure container capable of storing and releasing hydrogen without the weight and volume required by high-pressure gas storage tanks would be highly beneficial. The ability to rapidly refuel vehicles by quickly and easily replacing the hydrogen storage container would also be of great benefit in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In view of the above, there remains a need in the art for hydrogen storage containers that can overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art. The problems of the prior art and other aspects are solved by the present invention, which provides a metal-based hydrogen storage fiber capable of selectively absorbing and desorbing / releasing hydrogen, and a hydrogen storage container comprising the fiber in its internal volume.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, a hydrogen storage container is provided, which is provided with a plurality of metal-based hydrogen storage fibers capable of absorbing hydrogen to form metal hydrides. In a preferred embodiment, the fibers are provided in the form of a fabric, which is a stacked or wound nonwoven or woven fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric is a nonwoven fabric. The metal-based hydrogen storage fibers have a large specific surface area and a low-density, and therefore lightweight, porous structure. Due to the increased surface area and the solid-state hydrogen storage properties, the storage temperature is close to ambient temperature and the storage pressure is advantageously low.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a hydrogen storage container is provided that is comparable in weight and volume to conventional fuel storage systems.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a hydrogen storage container for efficiently absorbing and desorbing hydrogen.

[0019] In a first aspect, a hydrogen storage container is disclosed, comprising: a shell having an internal volume and at least one orifice, and a plurality of metal-based hydrogen storage fibers disposed within the internal volume of the container, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fibers are capable of selectively absorbing and releasing hydrogen.

[0020] In a second aspect, the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber is provided in the form of a fabric.

[0021] In a third aspect, according to the container described in the second aspect, the fabric is a nonwoven fabric.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, the container according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 comprises at least two different fibers, which are joined or sintered together by an adhesive.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber of the container according to any one of aspects 1 to 4 comprises one or more metal-based compounds that form binary metal hydrides, ternary metal hydrides, quaternary metal hydrides, or pentaneous metal hydrides.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber of the container according to any one of aspects 1 to 5 comprises one or more of the following transition metals: titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc; optionally, another metal may be doped, which may be one or more of the following: zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, and mercury; and wherein the transition metal may optionally be alloyed with one or more of aluminum, boron, and magnesium.

[0025] In the seventh aspect, the operating pressure of the hydrogen storage container according to any one of aspects 1 to 6 is 1 bar to 1500 bar, or less than 1000 bar, less than 500 bar, less than 100 bar or less than 40 bar.

[0026] In the eighth aspect, the container according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 is capable of being filled and discharged in a temperature range of -60°C to 500°C, or at a temperature below 350°C, below 200°C, or below 100°C.

[0027] In the ninth aspect, the specific surface area of ​​the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber in the container according to any one of aspects 1 to 8 is in the range of about 10 cm². 2 / g to approximately 50,000 cm 2 / g.

[0028] In a tenth aspect, the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber of the container according to any one of aspects 1 to 9 has a hydrogen absorption rate of 1% to 15 wt%. Attached Figure Description

[0029] A better understanding of the invention will be achieved by reading the detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and other features and advantages will become apparent, wherein: Figure 1 shows a hydrogen storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage container shown in Figure 1, which has hydrogen storage fibers arranged in a non-woven fabric.

[0031] Figure 3 is a close-up view of the hydrogen storage fiber shown in Figure 2. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Referring to FIG1, a hydrogen storage container 10 is shown. Container 10 includes a body 20 having an internal volume 22. A plurality of metal-based hydrogen storage fibers are disposed within the internal volume of container 10. Container 10 includes a hydrogen inlet 40 and a hydrogen outlet 42, each preferably including a valve 44.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hydrogen storage container shown in Figure 1 along line AA, including hydrogen storage fibers 30 filled inside the container. The figure shows the fibers in the form of fabric 50, which includes metal-based hydrogen storage fibers 30. Fabric 50 is nonwoven. In other embodiments, the fabric may be woven.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a close-up view of the nonwoven hydrogen storage metal fabric 50, which can be optionally assembled into a stacked or rolled form. The rolled form can be formed by folding a piece of nonwoven fiber into a cylindrical shape.

[0035] The hydrogen storage fiber is suitable for storing hydrogen, preferably in a solid phase, by incorporating a metal or metal alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen and forming a metal hydride or metal hydride compound, and also capable of desorbing or otherwise releasing hydrogen. The reversible hydrogen storage of the fiber provides excellent volumetric hydrogen storage density, higher than that of compressed gaseous or liquid hydrogen storage. Compared to hydrogen stored in a gaseous or liquid state, the hydrogen storage fiber presents fewer safety concerns. Hydrogen desorption can be well controlled.

[0036] The hydrogen storage fiber of the present invention has ideal hydrogen absorption, typically 1 to 15 wt% of the fiber, preferably 5 wt% or higher, more preferably 10 wt% or higher.

[0037] The hydrogen storage fibers can be packed tightly or loosely into the hydrogen storage tank, with a wide range of packing densities, typically about 0.5 g / cc or less, ideally 0.1 g / cc or less.

[0038] The hydrogen storage fiber of the present invention can absorb, release, or desorb hydrogen through the reversible formation of metal hydride bonds based on the formation of interstitial hydrides. Interstitial hydrides are conventionally described as metal hydrides or metal hydride compounds. In the hydrogen storage fiber of the present invention, hydrogen can exist in an atomic or diatomic molecular state, and the hydride is formed by the absorption of hydrogen and its embedding in the fiber's crystal lattice. The absorption capacity varies greatly depending on factors such as the materials used and environmental conditions.

[0039] The hydrogen storage fiber can be selected to have the desired lattice structure and thermodynamic properties to control the pressure and / or temperature during hydrogen absorption and desorption. These thermodynamic operating parameters can be modified and fine-tuned using appropriate alloying methods based on known techniques.

[0040] The hydrogen storage fiber may comprise any metal-based material that forms a metal hydride or metal alloy hydride capable of reversibly storing hydrogen, serving as an active hydrogen adsorption / desorption material. For example, the hydrogen storage fiber may include, but is not limited to, elements selected from Group IA alkali metals, Group IIA alkaline earth metals, Group IIIB elements, lanthanides, or Group IVB transition metals. In one embodiment, the hydrogen storage fiber may comprise a transition metal capable of forming a reversible binary metal hydride, including but not limited to palladium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, zinc, and / or vanadium.

[0041] Multicomponent metal alloys are also included as active hydrogen absorbers / desorbers, and may include, but are not limited to, combinations of Group IV elements and Groups V to XI elements (based on the 1990 IUPAC system, where each column is assigned a number from 1 to 18), as well as alloys including lanthanides (atomic numbers 57 to 71) and combinations of Groups VII to XI elements. For example, the active hydrogen absorber / desorber may have an AxTy structure, where A can be one or more Group IV elements, and T can be one or more Group V to XI elements. In some embodiments, Group VI metals may be selected from Mo and W, while Group VIII metals may be selected from Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, and Pt. In some embodiments, Group VI metals may be Mo, while Group VIII metals may be selected from Co and Ni.

[0042] Other materials that can be used to form the hydrogen storage fiber of this invention include metals or metal alloys that form hydride compounds, such as AlH3 and LiAlH4, which, according to DOE research, exhibit particularly high performance in hydrogen release. Such materials are useful for vehicle systems that include replaceable hydrogen storage containers.

[0043] In addition, materials suitable for hydrogen storage fibers include lithium-based metal alloys that form hydride compounds, such as LiBH4 / MgH2, LiBH4 / Mg2NiH4, Mg(BH4)2, 2LiNH4 / MgH2, and 1:1 LiNH2 / MgH2.

[0044] In another embodiment, the active hydrogen absorption / desorption material may have the following compositional formula. A1-xMxT5-y-zByCz, in: A = alloys of rare earth elements, typically including cerium and lanthanum; M = La, Pr, Nd, or Ce; T=Ni; B = Co; C = Mn, Al, or Cr; x = 0.0 to 1.0; y = 0.0 to 2.5; and z = 0.0 to 1.0.

[0045] In other embodiments, other intermetallic compounds may be used to form hydrogen storage filaments. Non-limiting examples include metals or metal alloys that form hydride compounds, such as MgH2, La(Ni,Al)5H7, and their variants. Other intermetallic compounds include TiV. 0.6 ,Cr 0.3 Zr 0.3 NbMo alloys and TiVzrNbHf alloys, specific examples including but not limited to quaternary TiVZrNb alloys, and pentagonal TiVZrNbTa and TiZrNbHfTa alloys.

[0046] Other suitable materials include manganese-based and / or copper-based hydrogen storage fibers, such as Mn and Cu-substituted TiFe intermetallic compounds.

[0047] Hydrogen storage fibers can also be formed from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are crystalline materials with high porosity and regular pore structure.

[0048] In one embodiment, the hydrogen storage fiber may include a magnesium-based active material, namely magnesium hydride or magnesium alloy hydride. Magnesium can exhibit a high theoretical weight hydrogen storage density of about 7.6 wt.%, is capable of reversibly binding hydrogen, and is abundant and relatively inexpensive to obtain. Mg(BH4)2 can exhibit a theoretical weight hydrogen storage density of 14.7 wt.%, and has been experimentally demonstrated to exhibit a reversible hydrogen storage density of 12 wt.%.

[0049] The hydrogen storage fiber may include one or more additives that improve desired properties of the material, such as thermodynamic properties, kinetic properties, hydrogen absorption density, power density, activation energy, heat transfer, and strength properties. For example, additives that can be incorporated into the hydrogen storage fiber may include, but are not limited to, palladium, titanium, titanium oxide, titanium fluoride, scandium, zirconium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, vanadium, silicon, iron oxide, platinum, ruthenium, or combinations thereof. When additives are included, their total amount in the hydrogen storage fiber is typically up to approximately 10 wt.% of the material.

[0050] In addition to the active hydrogen absorption / desorption material, the hydrogen storage fiber may also include an inert metal that contributes to the formation of the fiber structure. The inert metal may have a high specific strength (e.g., about 100 kN-m / kg or higher) and may be inert because it can exhibit little or no hydrogen absorption. For example, the inert metal may include aluminum, iron, titanium, etc. The hydrogen storage fiber typically includes about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the inert metal, for example, about 10 wt.% in some embodiments. The inert metal can provide strength to the hydrogen storage fiber and can also be used to design and control other properties of the material. For example, a magnesium composition including about 15 wt.% aluminum can exhibit a hydrogen binding energy of about 0.25 eV, which is lower than the hydrogen binding energy of magnesium alone, and corresponds to the release of 1 bar of hydrogen at 100°C.

[0051] The various components of the hydrogen storage fiber, including the base hydrogen-absorbing / desorbing metal or metal alloy, any additives, and the inert metal, can exist in the hydrogen storage fiber at the nanometer and / or micrometer scale, for example, as grains in a solid, which can improve the thermodynamic response, kinetic response, and mechanical properties of the material. Incorporating components as microstructures or nanostructures into the hydrogen storage fiber, especially when the hydrogen storage fiber is in the form of a high-surface-area porous structure, can also impart good reversibility to the material, enabling repeated hydrogen absorption-desorption cycles without significant loss of hydrogen storage capacity. Good absorption / desorption kinetics also facilitate the absorption / desorption of hydrogen in a relatively short time.

[0052] For example, when considering magnesium-based hydrogen storage fibers, active magnesium or magnesium alloy hydrides and dopants present at the micron or nanoscale can improve the structural stability of solid materials during cycling and the hydrogen storage kinetics of solid materials, because magnesium nanoparticles can segregate at the grain boundaries of the bulk material. For example, when forming high-surface-area porous metal fibers, combining magnesium nanoparticles with palladium, platinum, and / or ruthenium nanocatalysts can improve the hydrogen adsorption / desorption kinetics of magnesium-based materials compared to larger bulk materials.

[0053] In one embodiment, the hydrogen storage fiber may include a titanium dioxide additive. Adding titanium dioxide nanoparticles to a magnesium-based metal foam improves the hydrogenation performance of the hydrogen storage fiber by enhancing kinetics, reducing operating temperature, and providing superior oxidation resistance, compared to similar materials without the added titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

[0054] Similarly, adding iron oxide to hydrogen storage fibers can increase the H2 absorption rate by promoting nucleation and increasing defects on the surface of the metal-based material, thereby reducing the diffusion distance of hydrogen atoms in the material.

[0055] The hydrogen storage fiber of the present invention can be formed according to any suitable manufacturing process, such as any metal fiber forming process. The manufacturing process is selected such that the fiber maintains the desired porosity and structure, thereby promoting hydrogen storage and the formation of metal hydrides within the fiber.

[0056] Suitable manufacturing processes include, but are not limited to, machining processes similar to those used in the production of steel wool, drawing processes (e.g., bundle drawing), and coil cutting processes.

[0057] In one embodiment, the fibers are prepared using at least one drawing process. The raw material used to form the fibers, such as rods or wires, moves relative to a metal cutting tool, sometimes comprising toothed blades. One or more blades move relative to the rod or wire and cut it to produce finer fibrous filaments. The cutting tool presses against the raw material, thereby producing very fine fibers that are cut to desired lengths or continuously wound into rolls, similar to the manufacturing process of steel wool.

[0058] The fiber can be cylindrical or non-cylindrical. The cross-section of the fiber can be circular or non-circular, such as elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, parallelogram, and other irregular and asymmetrical shapes.

[0059] The fibers produced by the process of this invention have a length and an equivalent diameter. As used herein, the term "equivalent diameter" refers to the diameter of an imaginary circle having the same surface area as the fiber surface area cut perpendicular to the fiber's longitudinal axis or main axis. The equivalent diameter of the fiber can be ultrafine (about 25 micrometers), extrafine (about 35 micrometers), very fine (about 40 micrometers), or fine (about 50 micrometers), or larger. The equivalent diameter of the fiber can range from 0.1 to 500 micrometers. Preferably, the equivalent diameter of the fiber is less than 20 micrometers, more preferably less than 10 micrometers, even more preferably less than 5 micrometers, and most preferably less than 1 micrometer.

[0060] The surface area of ​​the fiber can be from 10 to 50,000 cm². 2 / g. Preferably, the surface area is greater than 100 cm². 2 / g, more preferably greater than 500 cm 2 / g, and even more preferably greater than 1000 cm 2 / g, optimal value greater than 5000 cm 2 / g.

[0061] The hydrogen storage fiber can be a mixture of fibers with different equivalent diameters or thicknesses. The fiber length is preferably greater than 5 mm, more preferably greater than 1000 mm, even more preferably greater than 100 m, and most preferably greater than 1000 m. A mixture of fibers of different lengths can also be used.

[0062] Once the fibers are formed, they are arranged into the desired form, such as the nonwoven fabric described above. The fabric or loose fibers are then inserted into a container, such as the cylindrical tank shown in Figure 1. The container is sealed as needed and includes a hydrogen inlet and outlet, which can be the same pipe or conduit or separate structures.

[0063] The operating pressure of the hydrogen storage container is from 1 bar to 1500 bar, preferably less than 1000 bar, more preferably less than 500 bar, even more preferably less than 100 bar, and most preferably less than 40 bar.

[0064] The operating temperature of the hydrogen storage container is -60°C to 500°C, more preferably below 350°C, even more preferably below 200°C, and most preferably below 100°C.

[0065] For the avoidance of doubt, the compositions and methods of the present invention cover all possible combinations of the components disclosed herein, including a wide range of said components. It should also be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements. However, it should also be understood that a description of a product comprising certain components also discloses a product composed of those components. Similarly, it should be understood that a description of a method comprising certain steps also discloses a method composed of those steps.

[0066] In accordance with patent law, the best mode and preferred embodiments have been described herein; however, the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen storage container, comprising: A shell having an internal volume and at least one orifice. Multiple metal-based hydrogen storage fibers are disposed within the internal volume of the container, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fibers are capable of selectively absorbing and releasing hydrogen.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber is provided in the form of a fabric.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein the fabric is a nonwoven fabric.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein at least two different fibers are joined or sintered together by an adhesive.

5. The hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber comprises one or more metal-based compounds that form binary metal hydrides, ternary metal hydrides, quaternary metal hydrides, or pentaneous metal hydrides.

6. The hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber comprises one or more of the following transition metals: titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc; and may optionally be doped with another metal, which may be one or more of the following: zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, and mercury; and wherein the transition metal may optionally be alloyed with one or more of aluminum, boron, and magnesium.

7. The hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen storage container has an operating pressure between 1 bar and 1500 bar.

8. The hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, wherein the container is capable of being filled and discharged within a temperature range of -60°C to 500°C.

9. The hydrogen storage container according to claim 1, wherein the surface area per gram of the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber ranges from about 10 cm². 2 / g to approximately 50,000 cm 2 / g.

10. The hydrogen storage container of claim 1, wherein the hydride fiber has a hydrogen absorption capacity of 1% to 15 wt%.

11. The hydrogen storage container of claim 2, wherein at least two different fibers are joined or sintered together by an adhesive, and wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber comprises one or more metal-based compounds that form binary metal hydrides, ternary metal hydrides, quaternary metal hydrides, or pentaneous metal hydrides.

12. The hydrogen storage container of claim 11, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber comprises one or more of the following transition metals: titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc; optionally doped with another metal, which may be one or more of the following: zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, and mercury; and wherein the transition metal may optionally be alloyed with one or more of aluminum, boron, and magnesium, and wherein the operating pressure of the hydrogen storage container is from 1 bar to 1500 bar.

13. The hydrogen storage container of claim 12, wherein the container is capable of being filled and discharged within a temperature range of -60°C to 500°C, and wherein the surface area per gram of the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber ranges from approximately 10 cm². 2 / g to approximately 50,000cm 2 / g, and wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber has a hydrogen absorption rate of 1% to 15 wt%.

14. The hydrogen storage container of claim 11, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber comprises one or more of the following transition metals: titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc; optionally doped with another metal, which may be one or more of the following: zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, and mercury; wherein the transition metal may optionally be alloyed with one or more of aluminum, boron, and magnesium, wherein the operating pressure of the hydrogen storage container is less than 1000 bar, and the container is capable of being filled and discharged at a temperature below 500°C.

15. The hydrogen storage container of claim 14, wherein the surface area per gram of the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber ranges from about 10 cm². 2 / g to approximately 50,000 cm 2 / g, and wherein the hydrogenated fiber has a hydrogen absorption rate of 1% to 15 wt%.

16. The hydrogen storage container of claim 11, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber comprises one or more of the following transition metals: titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc; optionally doped with another metal, which may be one or more of the following: zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, and mercury; and wherein the transition metal may optionally be alloyed with one or more of aluminum, boron, and magnesium, wherein the operating pressure of the hydrogen storage container is less than 100 bar, and the container is capable of being filled and discharged at a temperature below 200°C.

17. The hydrogen storage container of claim 16, wherein the surface area per gram of the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber ranges from about 10 cm². 2 / g to approximately 50,000 cm 2 / g, and wherein the hydrogenated fiber has a hydrogen absorption rate of 1% to 15 wt%.

18. The hydrogen storage container of claim 11, wherein the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber comprises one or more of the following transition metals: titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc; optionally doped with another metal, which may be one or more of the following: zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, and mercury; and wherein the transition metal may optionally be alloyed with one or more of aluminum, boron, and magnesium, and wherein the operating pressure of the hydrogen storage container is less than 40 bar, and the container is capable of being filled and discharged at a temperature below 100°C.

19. The hydrogen storage container of claim 18, wherein the surface area per gram of the metal-based hydrogen storage fiber ranges from about 10 cm². 2 / g to approximately 50,000 cm 2 / g, and wherein the hydrogenated fiber has a hydrogen absorption rate of 1% to 15 wt%.

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