Safe Hydrogen Research Articles

Exploring experimental tests concerning liquid hydrogen releases

In recent years, the adoption of liquid hydrogen (LH2) has increased significantly in industrial and transport applications, driven by its low carbon footprint, thereby aiding the fight against global warming. Additionally, its high volumetric energy density, compared to gaseous or compressed hydrogen, enhances hydrogen storage capabilities. However, safety remains a major concern due to its physical-chemical properties and inherent hazardous characteristics, especially in the event of spillage scenarios. Therefore, to better understand the consequences of LH2 releases onto or into water, large-scale experimental tests were conducted by Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) within the Safe Hydrogen Fuel Handling and Use for Efficient Implementation (SH2IFT) project at the Test Site Technical Safety of BAM, comprising 75 single spill events at varied release rates and orientations. While the rapid phase transition (RPT) phenomenon was not observed, self-ignition of the hydrogen-air cloud occurred, accompanied by blast wave overpressure and heat radiation, without a discernible ignition source. These findings emphasize the need for further investigation into LH2 safety. Leveraging experimental data for real-world applications provides insights into safe LH2 infrastructure implementation, laying foundational knowledge for addressing safety challenges and advancing LH2 technology.

Towards net zero aviation: Exploring safe hydrogen refuelling at airports

Towards net zero aviation: Exploring safe hydrogen refuelling at airports

Mitigating risks in hydrogen-powered transportation: A comprehensive risk assessment for hydrogen refuelling stations, vehicles, and garages

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, crucial to achieving net-zero energy goals. However, the rapid expansion of hydrogen-powered transportation is outpacing safety standards, posing significant risks due to limited operational experience, involvement of new actors and lack of targeted guidelines. This study addresses the urgent need for a tailored comprehensive risk assessment framework. Using Structured What-If (SWIFT) and bowtie barrier analysis, the research evaluates a hypothetical pilot project focusing on hydrogen refuelling stations, vehicles, and garages. The study identifies critical hazards and assesses the adequacy of current risk mitigation measures. Key findings reveal gaps in safety practices, leading to 41 actionable steps and 5 key activities to help new actors manage hydrogen risks effectively. By introducing novel safety guidelines, this research contributes to the development of safe hydrogen use and advances the understanding of hydrogen risks, ensuring its sustainable integration into transportation systems.

Enhancing Submarine Propulsion: Hydrogen SI Engine With EGR for NOx Reduction Monitored by AI

AbstractThis research paper underscores the critical importance of advancing submarine technology by proposing a fully hydrogen‐powered submarine integrated with an air‐independent propulsion (AIP) system and artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven safety measures. Such an innovative approach not only addresses the limitations of traditional diesel‐electric submarines but also promises to revolutionize naval operations. The adoption of hydrogen as the primary power source significantly extends the submarine's operational range, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. The incorporation of AIP technology enables sustained underwater endurance, reducing vulnerability and enhancing mission effectiveness. Concurrently, AI‐driven safety measures provide robust leak detection and safe hydrogen handling, ensuring the well‐being of the crew while optimizing operational efficiency. This integrated solution represents a transformative step toward achieving a more sustainable, capable, and stealthy submarine fleet for modern warfare scenarios.

The effect of irradiation for Nafion membrane electrode rapid separation of hydrogen-methane by electrochemical hydrogen pumps

Designing an efficient and reliable tritium plant has become a major challenge to developing nuclear fusion, which focuses on efficient and safe hydrogen isotope separation and purification. The electrochemical hydrogen pump (EHP) developed in recent years can be used to separate and compress hydrogen. Herein, we used the commercial Nafion membrane electrode in the EHP, which has excellent H2/CH4 separation performance. When the cell voltage is at 0.8 V, the current density is 2.04 A/cm2, the hydrogen separation rate can reach 14.2 mL/ (min ·cm2), and the hydrogen purity is more than 99.99 %. The damage mechanism of electron beam irradiation on the membrane electrode was revealed. It was found that irradiation caused Nafion’s main chain and branch chain to break, producing hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups. The degree of chain fracture increased with the radiation dose, perforation and cracks occurred in the proton exchange membrane (PEM). Under the electron beam irradiation dose of 10 kGy, the membrane electrode can still maintain excellent H2/CH4 separation performance, and the hydrogen permeability caused by cracks and perforations is at a very low level. This study reveals the change of macroscopic performance caused by the microscopic mechanism of membrane electrode irradiation damage, provides a promising way to separate hydrogen isotope gases and is expected to promote the development of tritium plants in fusion engineering.

Toluene-Poisoning-Resistant High-Entropy Non-Noble Metal Anode for Direct One-Step Hydrogenation of Toluene to Methylcyclohexane.

The direct one-step hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane facilitated by a proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzer driven by renewable energy has garnered considerable attention for stable hydrogen storage and safe hydrogen transportation. However, a persistent challenge lies in the crossover of toluene from the cathode to the anode chamber, which deteriorates the anode and decreases its energy efficiency and lifetime. To address this challenge, the catalyst-poisoning mechanism is systematically investigated using IrO2 and high-entropic non-noble-metal alloys as anodes in acidic electrolytes saturated with toluene and toluene-oxidized derivatives, such as benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, and benzoic acid. Benzoic acid plays an important role in polymer-like carbon-film formation by blocking the catalytically active sites on the anode surface. Moreover, Nb and the highly entropic state on the surface of the multi-element alloy lower the adsorbing ability of toluene and prevent polymer-like carbon film formation. This study contributes to the design of catalyst-poisoning-resistant anodes for organic hydride technology, advanced fuel cells, and batteries.

Integrating 1D and 3D geomechanical modeling to ensure safe hydrogen storage in bedded salt caverns: A comprehensive case study in canning salt, Western Australia

The viability of hydrogen storage in bedded salt caverns hinges on understanding the geomechanical challenges posed by the anisotropic stress states and complex geology of such environments. This study presents a comprehensive geomechanical analysis focusing on a proposed cavern within the Carribuddy Formation in Western Australia, characterized by its interbedded salt layers. This paper introduces a new geomechanical workflow, encompassing 1D and 3D modeling techniques to provide detailed changes of mechanical properties and stress state in interbedded salt formation allowing to identify the initial optimal operational pressures for underground hydrogen storage. Initial 1D models evaluated mechanical properties and in-situ stresses, while subsequent 3D simulations, enriched by data from neighboring wells, detailed the stress, strain, and displacement responses of the cavern walls to internal pressure changes. The analysis pinpointed an initial safe gas pressure range between 3000 and 4000 psi, attributing this margin to the robust characterization of the mechanical and in-situ stress of the formation. Our findings underscore the significance of high-resolution geomechanical modeling in identifying initial optimal operational pressures for hydrogen storage in salt caverns, ensuring both safety and structural integrity.

Experimental investigation of the hydrogen storage capacity in LaNi3.6Al0.4Mn0.3Co0.7 alloy

The development of efficient and safe hydrogen storage technologies is essential for the large-scale use of hydrogen as an energy source. Metal hydride compounds, such as LaNi5 are suitable for hydrogen storage. This study investigates the hydrogen storage properties of the LaNi3·6Al0·4Mn0·3CoO.7 metallic powder, focusing on the influence of temperature and pressure on its hydrogen absorption capacity. The compound was characterized by structural and thermal methods. XRD diffraction confirmed the formation of multiphase LaNi5, La2Ni3 and also the presence of very small amounts of free Ni phase, while FTIR spectroscopy identified the vibrational modes and provided information on the functional groups and chemical bands present in the sample. SEM showed the morphology and grain size distribution of the compound. DSC measurements were used to determine the specific heat capacity. Hydrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms were measured across a temperature range from Tfluid = 20 °C to Tfluid = 40 °C, with an applied hydrogen pressure of 15 bar. The findings revealed that the LaNi3·6Al0·4Mn0·3CoO.7 alloy exhibited its highest hydrogen absorption capacity, approximately 9.3 g/kg, at Tfluid = 15 °C. Furthermore, experimental investigations were conducted to analyze the influence of temperature and hydrogen pressure on the absorption quantity.

Balancing hope and hype on hydrogen’s role in the Philippine energy transition

Hydrogen (H2) presents a unique opportunity for the Philippines’ energy landscape. Using hydrogen as an ‘energy vector’ for industrial, power, and transportation applications represents a promising and sustainable solution in its ongoing efforts to address climate change and transition towards a cleaner energy future. However, unlocking this potential requires first addressing regulatory and policy gaps. This challenge has many different facets, such as the need for regulations to support the hydrogen infrastructure development, the establishment of clear standards for safe hydrogen production, storage and handling, streamlining of permit and license applications, monitoring of solar or wind power plants coupled with electrolysis process, provision of more substantial support for research and innovation, and promotion of hydrogen-based products.This policy brief describes the current landscape and identifies the regulatory and policy gaps that policymakers must fill while highlighting the Philippines' potential for hydrogen energy and energy storage in the short and long run. It is crucial to have a complete policy framework that addresses regulatory clarity, financial incentives for infrastructure development, technical capacity, support for R&D, and strategic export planning. The Philippines can utilize its renewable resources, improve energy security, and cut emissions by filling these gaps.

ZIF‐8 decorated FeMo nanoparticles: H2 Production from the catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia‐borane

AbstractAmmonia‐Borane (AB) is considered a promising solid hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen content (19.6 wt%) and its use for safe hydrogen transport. The most effective way to produce H2 from AB is to perform the hydrolysis reaction in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In this study, Fe0.2Mo0.8/ZIF‐8 nanocatalyst was synthesized in two steps: (i) synthesis by following the colloidal synthesis technique by thermal decomposition of Mo(CO)6 and Fe(acac)3 in the presence of OM and ODE at high temperatures, and (ii) the resulting colloidal Fe0.2Mo0.8 NPs were decorated into ZIF‐8. The as‐prepared Fe0.2Mo0.8/ZIF‐8 catalyst was identified using advanced characterization techniques such as ICP‐OES, P‐XRD, SEM, SEM–EDX, TEM, TEM‐EDX, XPS, and BET. The catalytic activities of the Fe0.2Mo0.8/ZIF‐8 catalyst in the hydrolysis of AB were investigated in different parameters (temperature, catalyst [Fe0.2Mo0.8] and substrate [H3NBH3] concentration, and recyclability). The results show that high crystallinity Fe0.2Mo0.8 NPs with a uniform 1.31 ± 0.13 nm distribution were formed on the ZIF‐8 surface. Fe0.2Mo0.8/ZIF‐8 catalyst provides a maximum H2 generation rate of 184.2 mLH2 (g catalyst)−1 (min)−1 at 343 K. This uniquely cost‐effective, active and durable Fe0.2Mo0.8/ZIF‐8 catalyst has strong potential for H2‐based fuel cell (PEM: Proton Exchange Membrane) applications where AB is a suitable H2 carrier.Highlights FeMo NPs were synthesized by a colloidal synthesis method and decorated into ZIF‐8. FeMo/ZIF‐8 catalyst is an active catalyst in the hydrolysis of AB. FeMo/ZIF‐8 catalyst showed an initial TOF value of 449.85 mol(H2)·molFe0.2Mo0.8−1·h−1 in the AB hydrolysis at 338 K.

Solid hydrogen storage with palladium-graphene composites: Synthesis, characterization, and mechanistic insights

Efficient and safe hydrogen storage is a pivotal challenge for the advancement of hydrogen energy technologies. To address this, the engineering of high-performance solid-state hydrogen storage materials through the loading of transition metals (TM) on carbon-based solids has gained considerable interest. However, the mechanics for TM such as Palladium that bolster hydrogen storage have not well addressed yet. This work presents hydrogen absorptions with metal Pd nanoparticles loaded on reduced graphene oxide (Pd-rGO), including material preparation, structural characterization, hydrogen storage performance, and quantum chemical mechanistic insights. A simple material synthesis strategy has been explored and Pd-rGO composites are successfully prepared with graphite powder as raw materials by an easy reduction-oxidation process. Then, Pd-rGO composites are characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms methods to clarify the detailed structural characteristics of Pd-rGO with different loading amounts. It is found that Pd nanoparticles with an average particle size of 10 nm are uniformly dispersed on the surface of rGO. The materials have high defect severity and increased specific surface areas with Pd loading. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of Pd-rGO can be increased by 64 % compared with that without Pd loading due to the hydrogen spillover effect. In addition, the intensification mechanism of hydrogen storage of Pd-rGO composites is further understood by using density functional theory calculations and surface interaction analysis.

Fuelling the Future with Safe Hydrogen Transportation Through Natural Gas Pipelines: A Quantitative Risk Assessment Approach

The global transition to clean and sustainable energy sources has sparked interest in hydrogen as a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient and safe transportation of hydrogen is crucial for its integration into the energy network. One approach is utilizing existing natural gas infrastructure, but it introduces unique challenges. Hydrogen has distinct characteristics that pose potential hazards, requiring careful consideration for safe transportation through natural gas pipelines. Moreover, the absence of field data on component failure rates adds to the existing uncertainty in Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) for hydrogen transportation. QRA plays a vital role in enabling the safe deployment of hydrogen transportation through existing pipelines and is increasingly integrated into the permitting process. The lack of data impedes the comprehensive understanding of risks associated with hydrogen transportation. This paper aims not only to analyse the effects of hydrogen blending ratios on gas dispersion, release rates, jet fires, and explosions in natural gas pipelines, but also highlight the disparities in leak frequencies currently used for hydrogen or blended hydrogen. A QRA for hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines is novel and timely because the behaviour of hydrogen in natural gas pipelines, a novel process with potential hazards, is not fully understood. Conducting a thorough QRA on hydrogen blending in gas pipelines, our study reveals innovative insights: higher blending ratios reduce release rates, impact safe distances, and maintain stable flame lengths. Despite an elevated explosion risk, scenarios remained below lethal overpressure values. This paper offers unique contributions to safety considerations in hydrogen transportation, guiding stakeholders toward informed decisions for a secure and sustainable energy future.

Zirconium-Modified Medium-Entropy Alloy (TiVNb)85Cr15 for Hydrogen Storage.

In this study, we investigate the effect of small amounts of zirconium alloying the medium-entropy alloy (TiVNb)85Cr15, a promising material for hydrogen storage. Alloys with 1, 4, and 7 at.% of Zr were prepared by arc melting and found to be multiphase, comprising at least three phases, indicating that Zr addition does not stabilize a single-phase solid solution. The dominant BCC phase (HEA1) is the primary hydrogen absorber, while the minor phases HEA2 and HEA3 play a crucial role in hydrogen absorption/desorption. Among the studied alloys, Zr4 (TiVNb)81Cr15Zr4 shows the highest hydrogen storage capacity, ease of activation, and reversibly retrievable hydrogen. This alloy can absorb hydrogen at room temperature without additional processing, with a reversible capacity of up to 0.74 wt.%, corresponding to hydrogen-to-metal ratio H/M = 0.46. The study emphasizes the significant role of minor elemental additions in alloy properties, stressing the importance of tailored compositions for hydrogen storage applications. It suggests a direction for further research in metal hydride alloys for effective and safe hydrogen storage.

Hydrogen generation based on a gel-like formate system with a palladium catalyst

Catalytic formate decomposition under mild conditions is a promising strategy for hydrogen production as an efficient hydrogen carrier. Most of previous studies performed formate decomposition for hydrogen generation in liquid phase or using formate as a promoter for formic acid decomposition, which exhibits relatively low hydrogen energy density by mass. Here, we reported a gel-like formate system for catalytic hydrogen generation under mild conditions. A H2 yield of 100% with hydrogen energy density by weight of 2.38 wt% was achieved, and the palladium catalyst shows high stability and recyclability for KCOOH gel decomposition. Moreover, the constructed gel-like formate filled in an aluminum cylinder could continuously and steadily supply hydrogen to a 12V/35W fuel cell to drive a LED display. This work may provide a new thought for safe hydrogen storage and production system for hydrogen energy usage in the future.

Study on tritium permeation behavior in primary and second circuits of the hydrogen production system by methane steam reforming using HTGR

Hydrogen production by methane steam reforming (MSR) using the process heat from High-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) is one of the most promising technology for hydrogen production using nuclear energy in the near future. The permeation behavior of tritium produced by the reactor is extremely important when analyzing the safety of this hydrogen production system. There are two methods of connection between a nuclear reactor and a hydrogen production system. One is direct coupling that the steam reformer of the hydrogen production system is directly connected to the first circuit of the nuclear reactor. The other is indirect coupling via an intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) to connect nuclear reactor and hydrogen production system. Hence, this work proposed a model to analyze the difference in tritium permeation between these two coupling ways and to compare the tritium permeation behavior for different IHX alloys at various operating conditions. This model includes tritium's production rate, release fraction, and decay reduction in the system. The results show that the pre-exponential factor of the IHX alloy mainly limits the tritium permeation rate. In addition, the tritium permeation rate increases about two times when the temperature rises from 750 °C to 950 °C at a steady state. Further, the decrease of tritium permeation rate is seen from the calculation results for the system with IHX, e.g., for T = 750 °C, the mean permeation rate of tritium into the product gas is 9.31 × 10−12 mol/s at the whole year for indirect coupling with an IHX, compared to 3.86 × 10−12 mol/s for direct coupling, which reduced 58.54 % (This means that with IHX the permeation rate is lower than the system without IHX). These results will contribute to designing an effective and safe hydrogen production system by MSR using HTGR process heat.

Comparing the risk of third-party excavation damage between natural gas and hydrogen pipelines

Existing natural gas pipelines can facilitate low-cost, large-scale hydrogen transportation and storage, but hydrogen may entail safety challenges. These challenges stem from hydrogen’s different properties compared to natural gas, such as higher ignition probability, different flame behavior, and potential for hydrogen embrittlement. Although risk assessments for hydrogen pipelines are increasing, the impact of hydrogen on the risk of third-party excavation damage (TPD), the major cause of pipeline incidents in the U.S., has received little attention. This work presents the SHyTERP model for Safe Hydrogen Transportation and Excavation Risk Prevention for Pipelines. The model incorporates causal models, excavation damage and pipeline failure statistics, and validated physical models of hydrogen and natural gas release and jet flame behavior. Through four case studies, the model compares the TPD risks of hydrogen and natural gas pipelines, offering insights and recommendations for the safe implementation of hydrogen in existing pipelines.

Pengaruh Variasi Waktu Milling terhadap Temperatur Nanokomposit Fe3O4 - MgH2 sebagai bahan baku katalis pada Tabung Hydrogen Storage

Metal materials can be used in renewable energy with future technologies for safe hydrogen storage media. Metal hydrides are a safe and effective way to store hydrogen for vehicle applications. Due to its high capacity in mass and volume for hydrogen storage, metal hydrides are currently the subject of intense research. However, the thermodynamic properties of magnesium hydride (MgH2) produce moderate temperatures, during the hydrogen desorption reaction reaching about 3000C to 4150C at 1 bar. The thermodynamic properties of high MgH2 cause the desorption temperature to also increase. The enthalpy produces high desorption (about 74 KJ/mol H2). In addition, the process of transforming magnesium into magnesium hydride takes a long time, (for 60 hours). From the results of the study, iron sand, a material from nature, which has been extracted into Fe3O4 powder, is used as a catalyst. This is done to improve the absorption properties and reaction kinetics of hydrogen storage materials based on MgH2, namely magnetite Fe3O4. The yield of Magnetite Extraction (Fe3O4) from iron sand is 85% purity, compared to the purity of Iron sand before extraction, which is 81%. Mechanical alloying methods are used to process MgH2-Fe3O4 samples, with different milling times and different catalysts.

Data-driven machine learning models for the prediction of hydrogen solubility in aqueous systems of varying salinity: Implications for underground hydrogen storage

Hydrogen is a clean and sustainable renewable energy source with significant potential for use in energy storage applications because of its high energy density. In particular, underground hydrogen storage via the dissolution of hydrogen gas in an aqueous solution has been identified as a promising strategy to address the difficulties associated with large-scale energy storage. However, this process requires the accurate prediction of the solubility of hydrogen in aqueous solutions, which is affected by a range of factors, including temperature, pressure, and the presence of solutes. The present study thus aimed to effectively predict the solubility of hydrogen in aqueous solutions that vary in their salinity by employing a machine learning approach. Four machine learning models were developed and tested: adaptive gradient boosting (Adaboost), gradient boosting, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting. The performance of each model was quantified in terms of their coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The Adaboost algorithm exhibited superior performance across all metrics, with an R2 of 0.994, MAE of 0.006, and RMSE of 0.018. A Williams plot detected only 18 outliers in the Adaboost predictions from a total of 255 data points. These results indicate that machine learning techniques have the potential to serve as a valuable tool in the prediction of hydrogen solubility in aqueous solutions for underground hydrogen storage, facilitating the development of smart, cost-effective, and safe hydrogen storage technologies.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Integration: Automotive, Residential Power Generation & Portable Devices

Hydrogen fuel has emerged as a promising element in the quest for sustainable energy solutions across diverse sectors. This abstract distils the findings and insights from extensive research into hydrogen fuel integration, focusing on its applications in the automotive industry, residential power generation, and portable devices. In the automotive sector, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) offer a zero-emission alternative with extended driving ranges and rapid refuelling times, addressing some of the limitations of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, the successful integration of hydrogen as a transportation fuel hinges on the development of a robust refuelling infrastructure, cost reductions in fuel cell technology, and the optimization of energy-intensive hydrogen production processes. In residential power generation, hydrogen shows promise as a versatile energy carrier, capable of powering homes through fuel cells or combined heat and power (CHP) systems. To ensure sustainable residential hydrogen power, research efforts should continue to focus on efficient hydrogen production methods, such as advanced electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the integration of hydrogen in portable devices, including backup power systems and mobile electronics, is being explored. Overcoming challenges related to safe hydrogen storage, efficient energy conversion, and addressing energy density limitations are critical for expanding the utility of hydrogen in this domain. To drive further advancements, key research directions include the development of lightweight and high-capacity hydrogen storage materials, improvements in energy conversion efficiency, and enhanced safety measures for hydrogen-powered portable devices. Moreover, cross-sector collaboration between automotive, residential, and portable device applications is vital to optimize hydrogen production and utilization. Regulatory support and incentives play a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of hydrogen technologies, along with comprehensive life-cycle assessments to quantify their environmental impact.

Perspectives for the green hydrogen energy-based economy

Hydrogen as an energy vector offers enormous potential compared to other renewable energy routes in the deep decarbonization of industrial sectors. However, globally, developments across the entire hydrogen value chain are still emerging. The specific facets of hydrogen energy, like production, storage, transportation, applications, and policies, are individually evaluated. Nevertheless, a comprehensive viewpoint on the prospects and challenges across the entire hydrogen value chain is essential, and such holistic information is rare. This study addresses the knowledge gap by mapping the potential of the hydrogen economy from an all-rounded perspective. In addition to the advancements in materials, wastewater recycling and the use of microbes or enzymes in electrolysis, offer potential alternative routes to support a hydrogen-based economy. Significant technological advancements are warranted for safe hydrogen transportation and storage. A vast network of refueling stations is essential for hydrogen fuel penetration in the transportation sector, and conducive governing policies are needed to decarbonize heavy industries. Lastly, government incentives are crucial to promote the socioeconomic acceptance of the transition from fossil fuels to green hydrogen.