Near-room Temperature Solid-state Hydrogen Storage
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Engineering
Abstract
This research aims to develop a new type of material that can store hydrogen in a safe and efficient way at near-room temperature. Hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source, but currently, it is difficult to store and transport in large amounts. By using a combination of two different materials, we aim to create a high-capacity storage material that can be used in hydrogen fuel cell systems, which are a type of clean energy technology. We will use advanced techniques to understand how this new material works and how to improve it. The goal of this research is to make hydrogen a more practical and accessible energy source, which would have a positive impact on the environment and energy system. This project has the potential to create significant advancements in the hydrogen value chain and have global implications for the future energy system.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Mi Tian (Principal Investigator) |
 http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6983-6146
|
Publications
Yang D
(2024)
Investigation of the Dynamic Behaviour of H 2 and D 2 in a Kinetic Quantum Sieving System
in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Yu Q
(2024)
Sustainable fabrication of metal-organic frameworks for improved hydrogen storage
in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Related Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Award Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/Y007778/1 | 31/03/2024 | 31/05/2025 | £337,997 | ||
| EP/Y007778/2 | Transfer | EP/Y007778/1 | 01/09/2025 | 30/06/2026 | £140,953 |
| Description | Advisory Board Member - GW-SHIFT (Great Western Hydrogen Supercluster) |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | As an Advisory Board Member for GW-SHIFT, I have helped increase awareness of hydrogen technologies and strengthen industry-academic collaboration. My contributions include advising on regional hydrogen strategies, facilitating policy and industry engagement, and supporting training initiatives to align research with industry needs. These efforts have enhanced hydrogen innovation visibility and positioned the South West as a key player in the UK's hydrogen transition. |
| Title | Hydrogen storage capacity of MOFs and polymer composites |
| Description | This paper introduces a pioneering approach that combines ex-situ synthesis with advanced manufacturing to develop mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) ZIF67-PA12 composites, with the goal of enhancing hydrogen storage systems. One method involves producing MOF-PA12 composite powders through an in-situ process, which is then commonly used as base powder for powder bed fusion (PBF) to fabricate various structures. However, developing the in-situ MOF-PA12 matrix presents challenges, including limited spreadability and processability at higher MOF content, as well as reduced porosity due to pore blockage by polymers, ultimately diminishing hydrogen storage capacity. To overcome these issues, PBF is employed to form PA12 powder into films, followed by ex-situ direct synthesis of ZIF-67 onto these substrates at loadings exceeding those typically used in conventional MMM composites. In this study, ZIF-67 mass loadings ranging from 2 to 30wt% were synthesized on both PA12 powder and printed film substrates, with loadings on printed PA12 films extended up to 60wt%. This was done to explore a range of ZIF-67 to assess their impact on the properties of the composite, particularly for hydrogen storage applications. Our results demonstrate that the ex-situ synthesized ZIF67-PA12 composite MMMs, a final product for direct application which do not require the use of in-situ pre-synthesized powder for the PBF process, not only retain significant hydrogen storage capacities but also offer advantages in terms of repeatability, cost-efficiency, and ease of production. These findings highlight the potential of this innovative composite material as a practical and efficient solution for hydrogen storage, paving the way for advancements in energy storage technologies. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The hydrogen storage dataset developed for this publication provides valuable experimental and modeling insights into solid-state hydrogen storage materials, particularly nano-confinement effects on Mg-based hydrides. This dataset enhances the understanding of hydrogen sorption kinetics and thermodynamics, supporting theoretical modeling, material optimization, and practical application development. The openly accessible data facilitates further research collaborations and has potential applications in hydrogen supply chain modeling, material discovery, and industry-scale storage solutions. It has already contributed to new discussions within the research community on optimizing near-room-temperature hydrogen storage technologies. |
| URL | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/21/5430 |
| Description | Blog Feature: My Journey in Hydrogen Research - GW4 Spotlight |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | This blog, published on the GW4 Alliance website, highlights my journey in hydrogen research, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and the importance of collaboration in advancing solid-state hydrogen storage. The piece aims to engage researchers, industry partners, and policymakers, showcasing the impact of interdisciplinary teamwork in tackling hydrogen storage challenges. By sharing insights into my research and career path, the blog encourages early-career researchers and students to explore hydrogen energy research while fostering new collaborations within the GW4 network and beyond. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://gw4.ac.uk/news/my-journey-in-hydrogen-research-challenges-opportunities-and-the-power-of-col... |
| Description | Conference Presentation: Advanced Onboard Hydrogen Storage at AMN11, New Zealand |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 2nd-year PhD student Chenming Shang presented recent research on intelligent manufacturing of porous composites for advanced onboard hydrogen storage at the 11th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (AMN11) in New Zealand. The presentation aimed to share novel insights on material design and manufacturing strategies for improving hydrogen storage efficiency. The talk sparked engaging discussions with experts from diverse fields, fostering potential collaborations with hydrogen storage professionals. This opportunity provided Chenming with valuable exposure, strengthening academic and industrial networks in the hydrogen energy sector. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Host International Women In Engineering Day Event 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The International Women in Engineering Day event at the University of Exeter was organized under the leadership of the PI, who played a critical role in its planning and execution. The event celebrated the achievements of women in STEM through a series of activities designed to engage and inspire attendees. The primary goal of the event was to highlight the contributions of women in engineering, provide career development insights, and foster a supportive community for women in STEM fields. The PI aimed to create a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and showcasing research. Over 50 entries were received for various competitions, including presentation, poster, and Research Image Competitions, with around 100 attendees participating. Members of the PI's research group presented in both poster and oral formats, with several receiving awards, highlighting the quality and impact of their research. The event received widespread attention from the public and was prominently featured on social media platforms like LinkedIn, enhancing the visibility of women's achievements in engineering. The discussions and panel sessions led to increased interest and engagement in STEM subjects among participants, with many expressing heightened motivation to pursue careers in engineering. The PI's leadership was instrumental in ensuring the event's success, from coordinating with external speakers to facilitating panel discussions and competitions. This event not only celebrated achievements but also actively contributed to shaping the future landscape of women in engineering. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://engineering.exeter.ac.uk/inwed/. |