Research Progress and Application Prospects of Solid-State Hydrogen Storage Technology

Abstract

Solid-state hydrogen storage technology has emerged as a disruptive solution to the “last mile” challenge in large-scale hydrogen energy applications, garnering significant global research attention. This paper systematically reviews the Chinese research progress in solid-state hydrogen storage material systems, thermodynamic mechanisms, and system integration. It also quantitatively assesses the market potential of solid-state hydrogen storage across four major application scenarios: on-board hydrogen storage, hydrogen refueling stations, backup power supplies, and power grid peak shaving. Furthermore, it analyzes the bottlenecks and challenges in industrialization related to key materials, testing standards, and innovation platforms. While acknowledging that the cost and performance of solid-state hydrogen storage are not yet fully competitive, the paper highlights its unique advantages of high safety, energy density, and potentially lower costs, showing promise in new energy vehicles and distributed energy fields. Breakthroughs in new hydrogen storage materials like magnesium-based and vanadium-based materials, coupled with improved standards, specifications, and innovation mechanisms, are expected to propel solid-state hydrogen storage into a mainstream technology within 10–15 years, with a market scale exceeding USD 14.3 billion. To accelerate the leapfrog development of China’s solid-state hydrogen storage industry, increased investment in basic research, focused efforts on key core technologies, and streamlining the industry chain from materials to systems are recommended. This includes addressing challenges in passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and hydrogen refueling stations, and building a collaborative innovation ecosystem involving government, industry, academia, research, finance, and intermediary entities to support the achievement of carbon peak and neutrality goals and foster a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient modern energy system.

Advances and Prospects of Nanomaterials for Solid-State Hydrogen Storage

“…First, the large surface area of nanomaterials provides more adsorption sites for hydrogen molecules, leading to increased hydrogen uptake [ 18 ]. Second, the surface energy of nanomaterials increases with decreasing particle size, which can lower the activation barrier for hydrogen adsorption and facilitate hydrogen diffusion [ 19 ]. Third, the nanoscale size can induce structural changes, such as increased lattice distortions and defects, which may create additional hydrogen trapping sites and enhance the hydrogen storage capacity [ 20 ].…”

Ball Milling Innovations Advance Mg-Based Hydrogen Storage Materials Towards Practical Applications

“…Hydrogen, as a clean and sustainable energy carrier, has attracted increasing attention for its potential to mitigate the environmental and energy crisis. Mg-based materials are promising candidates for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their high theoretical capacity (7.6 wt.% for MgH 2 ), low cost, and abundant reserves [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. However, the high thermodynamic stability and sluggish kinetics of Mg-based hydrides have hindered their practical applications [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Magnesium-Based Hydrogen Storage Alloys: Advances, Strategies, and Future Outlook for Clean Energy Applications

“…The development of efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies is crucial for the transition towards a low-carbon economy and the mitigation of climate change. Hydrogen, as a clean and renewable energy carrier, has the potential to play a significant role in this transition [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy source relies on the development of safe, compact, and cost-effective hydrogen storage systems [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”