Optimization and performance of highly efficient hydrogen getter applied in high vacuum multilayer insulation cryogenic tank

Abstract H 2 released from materials in the vacuum chamber of high-vacuum-multilayer-insulation tank (HVMIT) and is adsorbed by the expensive getter PdO. However, in addition to its disadvantageous high cost, PdO produces sparks and burns easily during H 2 adsorption process, thereby compromising the safety of storage tanks. Therefore, we designed an experimental platform for studying composite H 2 getters based on transition metal oxides. The getter consists of copper oxide (CuO), active carbon (C), and copper (Cu). The obtained optimal C and Cu mass contents are 68.086% and 21.276%, respectively. The addition of C facilitates the H 2 absorption by CuO. The adsorption rate increases by one order of magnitude with the addition of Cu. The adsorption isotherm of CuO & C & Cu is classified as type I as accurately described by the Langmuir model. At the equilibrium pressure not higher than 5.0 × 10 −2  Pa, the H 2 adsorption capacity is 397.00 mL( stp )/g, and Langmuir saturated adsorption amount was 415.913 mL( stp )/g at room temperature. The new getter offers the advantages of low cost, high efficiency, and ease of production. This getter can directly replace PdO as H 2 getter and be used in vacuum storage tanks.