Development and Application of Hydrogen Storage

Abstract

Hydrogen, as a secure, clean, efficient, and available energy source, will be successfully applied to reduce and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen storage technology, which is one of the key challenges in developing hydrogen economy, will be solved through the unremitting efforts of scientists. The progress on hydrogen storage technology research and recent developments in hydrogen storage materials is reported. Commonly used storage methods, such as high-pressure gas or liquid, cannot satisfy future storage requirement. Hence, relatively advanced storage methods, such as the use of metal-organic framework hydrides and carbon materials, are being developed as promising alternatives. Combining chemical and physical hydrogen storage in certain materials has potential advantages among all storage methods. Intensive research has been conducted on metal hydrides to improve their electrochemical and gaseous hydrogen storage properties, including their hydrogen storage capacity, kinetics, cycle stability, pressure, and thermal response, which are dependent on the composition and structural feature of alloys. Efforts have been exerted on a group of magnesium-based hydrides, as promising candidates for competitive hydrogen storage, to decrease their desorption temperature and enhance their kinetics and cycle life. Further research is necessary to achieve the goal of practical application by adding an appropriate catalyst and through rapid quenching or ball milling. Improving the kinetics and cycle life of complex hydrides is also an important aspect for potential applications of hydrogen energy.