TULSA, OK - Infinite Composites, Inc., a pioneer in composite pressure vessel technology, has announced a Cooperative Research andDevelopment Agreement (CRADA) with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to advance the manufacturing of hydrogen storage tanks for long-term storage and high-rate production.

This collaboration aims to revolutionize hydrogen storage technology by further developing lightweight, high-pressure tanks that surpass current Department of Energy (DOE) gravimetric efficiency targets. The project will focus on optimizing the company’s hydrogen storage tank capable of operating at 700 bar pressure, significantly improving upon existing composite tank options.

Potential key innovations of this research include:

●     Development of integral gas barrier materials to replace permeation barrier layers

●     Application of novel high-aspect-ratio 2D nanofiller-based barrier coatings

●     Utilization of additive manufacturing techniques to aid tank production

Matt Villarreal, CEO of Infinite Composites, stated "This partnership with ORNL represents a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize composite pressure vessel technology, by developing new materials and processes for our hydrogen tanks, we aim to address the challenges of long-term hydrogen storage and accelerate to the growth of the hydrogen economy." In 2023 the global hydrogen market generated over $242B in revenue and is expected to grow at a 7.8% compound annual growth rate until 2030 where revenues are projected to reach over $410B. This collaboration positions Infinite Composites at the forefront of this rapidly expanding industry. "Advanced manufacturing techniques can drive the adoption of hydrogen storage tanks by improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing performance. These innovations can enable scalable, lightweight solutions, accelerating industry-wide adoption for a sustainable energy future," said Dr. Ahmed Arabi Hassen, group leader for composites innovation at ORNL

The research will be conducted in two phases, focusing on barrier material development and tank manufacturing optimization. This work aligns with the DOE's Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology Office(AMMTO) mission to accelerate the adoption of innovative materials and manufacturing technologies in support of a clean, decarbonized economy.

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