ARCLATH

Feedstock and energy carrier

Hydrogen is a valuable molecule with multiple applications, both in the chemical industry and in the energy sector.

In the chemical industry, hydrogen is an important feedstock to produce valuable chemicals like ammonia and methanol. In (bio)refineries too, hydrogen is used in hydrogenation processes to saturate organic compounds. In the energy sector, on the other hand, hydrogen also plays a key role. Due to the fact that its combustion does not lead to CO₂ emissions, it is often considered the sustainable energy carrier of the future.

Transportation and storage

Transporting and storing hydrogen, however, is no easy feat. Today, hydrogen is transported from production to distribution sites using pipelines, pressurised tube trailers or in liquefied form. Current storage technologies are based on compression, cryogenic liquefaction, chemisorption in metal hydrides or physisorption in nanoporous materials.

All of these transportation and storage techniques have significant drawbacks in terms of energy use and general safety, as they require high pressure and/or extremely low temperatures.

Clathrates

To overcome these drawbacks, ARCLATH proposes a radically new concept of hydrogen storage and transportation, based on clathrate hydrates, or ‘clathrates’.

In essence, clathrates are water-based materials made up of cavities large enough to encapsulate a variety of gas molecules. ARCLATH aims to encapsulate individual hydrogen molecules in these cavities in solid form. Loading and unloading the hydrogen molecules would be achieved by simply pressurizing and depressurizing the clathrate container.

Clear benefits

Using clathrates, vessels can transport and store hydrogen at the same capacity, but with more reasonable pressure and temperature requirements. Moreover, the technology is expected to suit all scales, from small cylinders to massive tanker ships. All in all, ARCLATH will increase the efficiency, safety and performance of hydrogen transportation and storage.