A Review on Applicability, Limitations, and Improvements of Polymeric Materials in High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas Atmospheres

Abstract

Typically, polymeric materials experience material degradation and damage over time in harsh environments. Improved understanding of the physical and chemical processes associated with possible damage modes intended in high-pressure hydrogen gas exposed atmospheres will help to select and develop materials well suited for applications fulfilling future energy demands in hydrogen as an energy carrier. In high-pressure hydrogen gas exposure conditions, damage from rapid gas decompression (RGD) and from aging in elastomeric as well as thermoplastic material components is unavoidable. This review discusses the applications of polymeric materials in a multi-material approach in the realization of the "Hydrogen economy". It covers the limitations of existing polymeric components, the current knowledge on polymeric material testing and characterization, and the latest developments. Some improvements are suggested in terms of material development and testing procedures to fill in the gaps in existing knowledge in the literature.

Subdiffusive High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas Dynamics in Elastomers

“…Hydrogen has been proposed as an environmentally clean alternative to fossil fuel combustion to meet the world’s current and future energy needs. , Hydrogen gas is compressed in application, storage, and transport; hence, distribution infrastructures must be designed to withstand extreme conditions, including operating temperatures spanning −40 to +85 °C (233 to 358 K), pressure ranges as high as 85 MPa, and cyclic (de)­pressurization rates on the order of MPa/min . Materials used in hydrogen infrastructure applications are particularly vulnerable to degradation over time because exposure to high-pressure hydrogen affects material performance. − Hydrogen-exposed metals undergo subcritical failure termed embrittlement, while polymeric materials exhibit cavitation-induced fracture. , These failure modes, along with others, have driven a multitude of studies − designed to aid in the identification of improved system design, operating parameters, materials selection, and compositional choices that are less susceptible to high-pressure hydrogen damage during and following exposure.…”

Review of the Hydrogen Permeability of the Liner Material of Type IV On-Board Hydrogen Storage Tank

“…The latest, the type V hydrogen storage tank, which has 20% less weight than type IV, is made of composites without a liner. Unfortunately, it only can be used in low-pressure ranges and still needs a breakthrough [7]. The type IV hydrogen storage tank which consists of a polymer liner can greatly reduce the weight of the gas cylinder.…”

Industrial decarbonization via hydrogen: A critical and systematic review of developments, socio-technical systems and policy options

“…Both from economic and safety perspectives, a multi-materials approach to the development of this infrastructure is needed, whether the transmission occurs under compressed and liquified states or via other intermediates. Finally, the same developments for stationary hydrogen storage during the supply chain development can be further integrated into end-use applications (Section 5.3), as both hydrogen fueling stations and mobile and remote applications can also benefit from these solutions [642].…”