Materials for Hydrogen Storage

The Hydrogen Economy Infrastructure is comprised of five key elements-Production, Delivery, Storage, Conversion, and Applications-all in different stages of technological advancement.^1,2

While hydrogen production and conversion are already technologically and economically feasible, its delivery and storage have proven more challenging. For example, due to the possibility of the hydrogen embrittlement of steel, existing natural gas transmission systems may be unsuitable for the transportation of pure hydrogen gas. Currently, other options, such as blending with natural gas, a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid delivery, as well as alternative hydrogen carriers (methanol, ethanol, and other organic liquids), are being considered. None of the options currently available on the market satisfy the needs of end users, which helps explain the growing interest and investment in the development of new hydrogen storage techniques. Many of the approaches being extensively explored are materials-based and include using: boron hydrides, metal hydrides, amides, metal alloys, metal-organic frameworks and organic molecules. ^1,2

Please see the electronic version of Aldrich's Material Matters® for additional information, as well as current research on hydrogen storage materials.

References:
1. Material Matters 2.2 (2007)
2. http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov