QuantumSphere Awards Grant to USF For H2 Storage Research

2 April 2008

QuantumSphere, Inc., a manufacturer of nano metals and alloys for applications in renewable energy, portable power, defense, electronics and other markets demanding advanced materials, has awarded a grant to Professor Elias Stefanakos and postdoctoral student Sesha Srinivasan of the University of South Florida (USF) to conduct research in the use of nanomaterials in the advancement of hydrogen storage for fuel cell and transportation applications. The USF team will integrate nanomaterials into chemical hydrides for hydrogen storage devices and evaluate their ability to absorb and release hydrogen.

Nanomaterials hold tremendous potential in the practical application of hydrogen as an alternative fuel which could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We believe Professor Stefanakos’ and Dr. Srinivasan’s proposal holds exceptional promise in advancing the field of hydrogen storage for fuel cells. His group at the University of South Florida will attempt to make hydrogen fuel cells more practical by improving the ability to store and release hydrogen fuel.

—Kevin Maloney, CEO of QuantumSphere

Stefanakos said his research group has been researching hydrogen storage for more than 12 years, and over the last four years, the group has focused mainly on complex hydrates. Last year, QuantumSphere initiated a call for research grant proposals to partner with universities and sponsor individual or group research through the prototype phase in an effort to accelerate validation and commercialization of these advanced materials in consumer and industrial applications. The award to the University of South Florida is one of two grants awarded by QuantumSphere this year.

The second grant was awarded to Iowa State University to conduct research in the use of nanomaterials for anti-microbial purposes. This is the second year QuantumSphere has awarded these grants and the first year they have been awarded to research institutions outside of California.