University academic to help space vessels travel longer distances

Dr Ashwath Pazhani along with an international team of researchers have created a new material for storing the liquid hydrogen used to propel rockets into space by the likes of NASA.

Their new material is lighter than the current material used for liquid hydrogen storage tanks and means that more fuel can be stored or more payload carried at one time – a feat that Dr Pazhani describes as a “groundbreaking work that leapfrogs current research in the field”.

He said: “This all started as I was looking for the super lightweight and load-bearing material for external fuel tanks. The material in question has been used since 1993 to store liquid hydrogen and yet in this work we innovatively reinforced this material with nano graphene, creating a new composite out of that.

“We have been able to reduce overall external tank weight by 2%, which is 19,400kg of total weight reduction and that can be utilised towards sending 19 tonnes of extra payload in every space flight. This means space vessels can travel longer distances as well as carrying more payload.

“This is a significant innovation in liquid hydrogen storage and the material is the first of its kind. This achievement is groundbreaking in terms of sustainable energy solutions, aligning with global goals for cleaner and more efficient energy systems.”

Dr Pazhani hopes to see the material put to use soon and believes it could also be used in coming years for the sustainable storage of liquid and gaseous hydrogen in domestic household purposes, underground storage for fuel stations, and for transport systems including automotive, marine and aviation.

The research was carried out collaboratively with Professor Anthony Xavior from Vellore Institute of Technology in India, Dr Andre Batako from Liverpool John Moores University,  and Dr Dirk Honecker at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

As well as working with colleagues across the globe, Dr Pazhani also used expertise closer to home in the form of a Coventry University student he once taught. Alicia Patel studied her Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at Coventry University and was part of the materials testing team.

Dr Pazhani said: “In addition to its technical merits, it has also played an important role in promoting inclusivity and diversity in STEM, actively encouraging women to participate and lead in scientific breakthroughs. Alicia’s contribution is a shining example of how student involvement can drive impactful research.”

Read the full research paper here.