Hydrogen Storage Alloys: A long-term solution for renewable energy

Did you know that Hydrogen storage alloys can absorb 1000 times their volume in hydrogen making them a favorable choice when it comes to green energy?

With a long lifespan of storage, the opportunities for these alloys are endless, they can be used to power various establishments such as factories, universities, residential areas, hotels, and commercial buildings.

Hydrogen storage alloys, also known as metal hydrides, are materials that can store and release hydrogen gas through hydrogen absorption and desorption. These alloys are typically composed of metals such as titanium, zirconium, magnesium, and rare earth elements like lanthanum and mischmetal.

The storage of hydrogen in metal hydrides is a promising technology for applications in hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks, and portable hydrogen storage devices. It offers several advantages over other hydrogen storage methods, such as high volumetric and gravimetric hydrogen densities, improved safety, and reversible storage/release processes.

What is the science behind using alloys to store hydrogen?

When hydrogen is absorbed into a metal hydride, it reacts with the metal lattice to form a solid-state compound known as a metal hydride. This process is exothermic and releases heat. The metal hydride acts as a storage medium, holding the hydrogen atoms in its structure.

The absorption and desorption of hydrogen by metal hydrides depend on factors like temperature, pressure, and the composition of the alloy. Heating the metal hydride releases the stored hydrogen, a process known as desorption. This released hydrogen can then be used as a fuel source in various applications.

LCM part-funding PhD in sustainable hydrogen

As a supporter of green energy and a decarbonized economy, LCM is proud to be working with a PhD student from Nottingham University, Alex McGrath, to progress hydrogen storage materials through research of sustainable hydrogen alloys.

As part of his research, Alex has visited LCM’s factory on multiple occasions to?oversee the production of a composition that he is researching.

Alex said: “My time at LCM helped to raise my awareness of the issues encountered during metal alloy synthesis on an industrial scale that I might not have fully appreciated without experiencing this first hand.

“The visit also gave me a wider understanding of alloy synthesis techniques overall, which was one aspect of my project that was lacking before the visit. As a result, I now have a lot of confidence with the theory behind synthesis techniques and using them to carry out experiments that will contribute to my PhD project.”

On return to Nottingham University, Alex was inspired to change some processes and use induction melting as a synthesis technique.

He explained: “This was due to the accuracy of the composition achieved compared to the desired outcome, minimal impurities present in the alloy and the homogeneity of the melt.

“I have also had discussions with members of LCM and my colleagues at Nottingham about concepts that may come into fruition later on in my project, where my expertise can be drawn from my in-person experience with LCM.”

Alex will complete his PhD in?Sustainable Hydrogen at the CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training)?in 2024. After this, he plans to work as an industrial manufacturer and put his research to the test on a larger scale.

The team at LCM looks forward to continuing to support Alex with his PhD research and playing a key role in the production of solid-state hydrogen storage with partners worldwide.

If you have any enquiries or would like to work with us, you can contact the team via email at [email protected].