Novel Catalytic Materials for Hydrogen Storage and Generation

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is related to hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, which holds significant promise for sustainable energy systems. However, efficient storage and generation of hydrogen present critical challenges. Recent advancements in novel materials offer promising solutions, enhancing both storage capacity and generation efficiency. The following are examples of a few materials related to this Special Issue:

1. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs): MOFs are crystalline materials composed of metal ions coordinated to organic ligands, creating porous structures. They are highly tunable, allowing for precise control over pore size and surface area. This tunability enables MOFs to achieve high hydrogen storage capacities at relatively low pressures. For instance, certain MOFs can store up to 7.5 wt% of hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures, making them competitive with traditional storage methods.
2. Solid-state hydrogen storage: Solid-state hydrogen storage involves the absorption of hydrogen into solid materials such as metal hydrides, complex hydrides, and chemical hydrides. Metal hydrides like magnesium hydride (MgH2) offer high hydrogen densities and are relatively safe.
3. Carbon-based nanomaterials: Carbon nanostructures, including graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and fullerenes, exhibit potential for hydrogen storage due to their high surface areas and favorable adsorption properties. Functionalization of these materials with metal nanoparticles can significantly enhance their hydrogen uptake.
4. Novel catalysts for hydrogen generation: For hydrogen generation, particularly through water splitting, novel catalysts are crucial. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2, have emerged as effective electro-catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). These materials are abundant and inexpensive compared to platinum, offering a cost-effective alternative with competitive performance. Furthermore, advancements in catalyst design, including nanostructuring and defect engineering, are enhancing the efficiency of the HER.
5. Advanced electrolytes: In hydrogen generation via electrolysis, the development of advanced electrolytes is essential. For example, proton exchange membranes (PEMs) benefit from solid polymer electrolytes that offer high proton conductivity and stability. Recent research focuses on improving the durability and efficiency of these membranes, as well as exploring anion exchange membranes (AEMs) that operate in alkaline conditions, potentially reducing system costs.

Therefore, this Special Issue aims to integrate these novel materials into hydrogen storage and generation systems, representing a significant step toward realizing a hydrogen-based energy future.

Prof. Dr. Tarek Abdel-Fattah
Guest Editor

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• sustainability and renewables
• hydrogen storage
• hydrogen generation
• heterogeneous catalysis
• electrolysis
• water splitting