From Compressed Gas to Metal Hydrides: A Look at the Future of Hydrogen Storage

Hydrogen can be stored in a number of different ways, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common methods of hydrogen storage include:

1. Compressed hydrogen gas: Hydrogen can be stored as a gas in high-pressure tanks. This is the most common method of storing hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles, as it is relatively cheap and easy to do. However, it requires the use of heavy, high-pressure tanks, which can be dangerous if not handled properly.
2. Liquid hydrogen: Hydrogen can be cooled to extremely low temperatures (-253°C) to turn it into a liquid. This allows for a much higher density of hydrogen storage, but it requires a lot of energy to maintain the low temperature and is not very practical for most applications.
3. Hydrogenated compounds: Hydrogen can be chemically bonded to other compounds to form a solid or liquid that can be easily transported and stored. Examples include hydrogenated vegetable oil and metal hydrides. These materials are relatively safe and stable, but they can be expensive and may not be suitable for all applications.
4. Hydrogen storage in materials: Some materials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, have a high affinity for hydrogen and can store large amounts of hydrogen within their structure. This method is still in the research and development stage and is not yet practical for widespread use.

Compressed hydrogen gas is a common method of storing hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles and other applications. In this method, hydrogen gas is stored in high-pressure tanks at pressures of up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The gas is compressed using a compressor and stored in the tanks until it is needed.

There are several advantages to using compressed hydrogen gas as a storage method:

• It is relatively cheap and easy to implement.
• It allows for a high volume of hydrogen to be stored in a relatively small space.
• It is relatively safe if the tanks are properly designed and maintained.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using compressed hydrogen gas:

• The tanks can be heavy and bulky, which can be a challenge for applications where weight and size are important considerations.
• The tanks must be designed and constructed to withstand high pressures, which can add to the cost.
• If a tank fails, it can release a large amount of hydrogen gas, which can be flammable and explosive if it comes into contact with a spark or flame.

Compressed hydrogen tanks are typically made of composite materials or steel and are designed to withstand high pressures of up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The tanks are also equipped with safety features such as pressure relief valves to prevent over-pressurization.

The size and capacity of compressed hydrogen tanks can vary depending on the specific application. In general, the larger the tank, the more hydrogen it can hold. However, larger tanks are also heavier and take up more space, which can be a challenge in applications where weight and size are important considerations.

One example of a large compressed hydrogen tank is the one used in the Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle. The Mirai's tanks have a total capacity of about 5 kilograms of hydrogen and are located in the trunk of the vehicle. Other fuel cell vehicles, such as the Honda Clarity and Hyundai Nexo, also use relatively large compressed hydrogen tanks.

compressed hydrogen tanks are used to store hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles, but they can also be used for other applications such as stationary fuel cell systems and hydrogen fuel stations. The size and capacity of the tanks will depend on the specific requirements of the application.

Carbon fiber tanks can be used to store hydrogen. Carbon fiber is a lightweight, strong material that is well-suited for use in high-pressure tanks because it can withstand high pressures and is relatively lightweight.

Carbon fiber tanks are typically used for storing hydrogen in compressed form, at pressures of up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). They can be designed and constructed in various sizes and shapes to meet the specific needs of the application.

One advantage of using carbon fiber tanks for hydrogen storage is that they are relatively lightweight compared to tanks made of other materials, such as steel. This can be beneficial in applications where weight is an important consideration, such as in fuel cell vehicles.

However, carbon fiber tanks can be more expensive to manufacture than tanks made of other materials, and they may not be as durable in certain conditions.

Overall, the decision to use carbon fiber tanks for hydrogen storage will depend on the specific requirements of the application and the trade-offs between cost, weight, and durability.

There are several new technologies that are being developed for hydrogen storage, including:

1. Metal hydrides: Metal hydrides are materials that can absorb and release hydrogen in a reversible process. They can be used to store hydrogen in a solid form, making them safe and stable for transportation and storage. However, metal hydrides are generally not very energy efficient, as they require a lot of heat to release the hydrogen.
2. Graphene and carbon nanotubes: Graphene and carbon nanotubes have a high affinity for hydrogen and can store large amounts of hydrogen within their structure. These materials are still in the research and development stage and are not yet practical for widespread use.
3. Hydrogen storage in materials: Some materials, such as porous materials and metal-organic frameworks, have the ability to adsorb hydrogen within their structure. These materials are still in the early stages of development and are not yet practical for widespread use.
4. Hydrogen storage in liquids: Researchers are also exploring the use of liquids, such as water, as a way to store hydrogen. The hydrogen can be produced on demand by splitting the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current. This method is still in the early stages of development and is not yet practical for widespread use.

Overall, there are many promising technologies being developed for hydrogen storage, but most of them are still in the research and development stage and are not yet practical for widespread use. It is likely that a combination of different technologies will be needed to meet the diverse needs of different applications. I think the future for hydrogen storage belong to carbon fiber. as we scale the production capacity carbon fiber poised to lead the storage industry.