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The development of advanced hydrogen storage materials is significant to sustaining the supply of clean, sustainable energy. Hydrogen storage materials are materials that are capable of storing hydrogen in formed molecules by a molecular gas-solid reaction, usually in the form of hydrides. With increasing concerns over the sustainability and environmental consequences associated with our current sources of energy, the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy—such as hydrogen—is receiving a great deal of attention.
Research on hydrogen storage materials had been extensively studied to develop suitable materials for storing hydrogen. A variety of materials have been studied thus far, including ionic hydrides, such as NaAlH4, magnesium hydrides, complex metallic hydrides and organometallic hydrides. These hydrogen storage materials have different properties for storing hydrogen. For example, ionic hydrides offer higher hydrogen capacities, but might have severe corrosion issues, while metal hydrides have a lower hydrogen capacity and can corrode.
The typical hydrogen storage material consists of a number of elements in a system which can reversibly form and lose hydrogen. Hydrogen storage materials can either be binary or ternary systems. Binary systems are materials composed of two distinct element components, such as MgH2 or LiBH4. Ternary systems can be composed of up to three components, depending on the hydrogen storage capacity and the desired reaction rate.
The ideal hydrogen storage material is considered to be one that has a high hydrogen density, is capable of reversible hydrosilylation (hydrogenation and dehydrogenation), is non-corrosive, and is thermally stable. The two most important properties of hydrogen storage materials are their gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities. Gravimetric hydrogen density is the amount of hydrogen contained in a particular material per unit mass, whereas volumetric hydrogen density is the amount of hydrogen contained in a material per unit volume.
The development and use of advanced hydrogen storage materials have enabled the development of hydrogen-based energy technologies. Hydrogen-based energy technologies offer numerous advantages including low emissions and efficient energy usage. In addition, many hydrogen storage materials are more cost-effective when compared to traditional fossil fuels, making them an ideal alternative energy source.
Despite research advancements, there are still many challenges facing the development and application of hydrogen storage materials. For instance, some hydrogen storage materials may require the use of additional elements or compounds to properly store and release hydrogen. In addition, the materials may be susceptible to environmental degradation or may require extremely high temperatures for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation.
Despite the existing challenges, it is evident that hydrogen storage materials have great potential to be used in a range of applications. From fuel cells to powering vehicles, there is no doubt that hydrogen storage materials are a critical step in advancing renewable energy. As research continues, it is likely that new formulations of hydrogen storage materials and techniques, such as hydrogen-rich nano alloy powders, will be developed. Ultimately, the development of efficient and safe hydrogen storage materials is essential for furthering sustainable energy technology.
