Atomic hydrogen storage method and apparatus
AssigneeThe United States of America asthe Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
InventorJohn A. Woollam
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Abstract
Atomic hydrogen, for use as a fuel or as an explosive, is stored in the presence of a strong magnetic field in exfoliated layered compounds such as molybdenum disulfide or an elemental layer material such as graphite. The compound is maintained at liquid helium temperatures and the atomic hydrogen is collected on the surfaces of the layered compound which are exposed during delamination (exfoliation). The strong magnetic field and the low temperature combine to prevent the atoms of hydrogen from recombining to form molecules.
Claims6
A method of storing high concentrations of atomic hydrogen, said method comprising:
- (a) intercalating a layer compound with a gas,
- (b) heating said intercalated compound in a vacuum to provide delamination of said compound and release and removal of said gas,
- (c) cooling said delaminated layer compound to approximately 4.degree. K,
- (d) impressing a strong magnetic field on said delaminated layered compound, and
- (e) collecting atomic hydrogen said cooled delaminated layer compound in the presence of said strong magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.