Nanomix Receives Two U.S. Patents in Alternative Energy

Hydrogen Storage Advancements for Vehicle and Fuel Cell Power

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 9 -- Nanomix Inc., a leading nanotechnology company which is commercializing a line of nanoelectronic sensors for industrial and biomedical applications, today announced that it has been issued two U.S. patents in hydrogen storage technology. Efficient, high-density hydrogen storage promises to be a practical and cost-effective energy storage solution for the emerging fuel cell industry. The newly patented technology largely avoids the current limitations of liquid hydrogen storage. Using novel nano-materials, Nanomix hydrogen storage systems will meet the performance needs of automotive and portable electronic applications.

"Our recent progress in hydrogen storage technology is encouraging," said David Macdonald, CEO and President of Nanomix. "The new patents describe an easier way to store, transport and deliver hydrogen. These advancements lower the weight and raise the storage temperature of liquid hydrogen, dramatically reducing costs. We are currently seeking an industrial partner for the continued development of commercial and automotive hydrogen energy systems based on the patented technology."

Patents (Publication No.: US 6,672,077 and US 6,748,748), are the first patents to be issued from the Nanomix' hydrogen storage portfolio, which also includes several additional pending applications. The patent describes the low temperature storage of hydrogen using novel nanostructured materials including light elements, so as to permit non-chemically-bound low-pressure storage of hydrogen. Typically hydrogen is stored at 20 K, Nanomix technology makes storage possible at temperatures greater than the liquefaction temperature of nitrogen, 77 K. This innovation has the potential to make hydrogen storage much more cost effective and has been successfully prototyped by Nanomix. The system employs a combination of thermal insulation and a cold enclosure for the storage and controlled distribution of hydrogen as a high-energy fuel. This setup largely avoids the storage life limitations, energy penalties, and/or weight penalties associated with other technologies for liquid hydrogen storage as well as high-pressure gas-phase hydrogen storage.

About Nanomix

Nanomix is an exciting nanotechnology company currently launching a menu of nanoelectronic detection devices combining carbon nanotube electronics with silicon microstructures. These sensors will add value across a broad range of industrial and medical applications where the attributes of nanotechnology -- low power consumption, small size, and high sensitivity offer significant performance advantages. Founded in 2000, Nanomix is located in Emeryville, California. For additional information, please visit www.nano.com or email info@nano.com.