Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This proposal requests support for a key instrument in our hydrogen storage program. The safe and efficient storage of hydrogen is one of the key steps required for its widespread adoption as an alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels. Over the past several years, the McGrady group has established one of the largest and most respected hydrogen storage research programs in Canada. Since 2007, we have used a Hy-Energy PCT-Pro 200 to characterize the performance of materials under investigation in our hydrogen storage program. This single instrument provides information that usually requires 3-5 standard analytical techniques. Since the start of 2011, we have been unable to use the PCT, a situation that is severely restricting our ability to move forward on the program. Support for the repairs and maintenance contract described in this proposal will allow us to make up the ground lost this year, will ensure progress for the next 5 years, and will permit us to open up new and exciting avenues of investigation.