The concept of using hollow glass microspheres as a hydrogen storage medium has been known for some time. Hydrogen diffuses through the thin wall of the hollow glass microsphere at elevated temperatures and pressures. The gas is then trapped upon cooling to room temperature.
The ability of hollow glass microsphere to safely store compressed hydrogen gas is a major advantage. Howev er, a traditional limitation of hollow glass microsphere has been the poor thermal conductivity of a packed bed of hollow glass microsphere; poor conduction of heat translates to unsuitably low release rates of hydrogen gas.
