A Polymer Sheet‐Based Hydrogen Carrier

Polymer material innovations for a green hydrogen economy

Polymeric materials are ubiquitous in modern life. Similar to many other technological applications, polymer materials are essential in advancing the green hydrogen economy, offering solutions for hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilization. In production, polymeric proton exchange membranes in water electrolysers enable efficient green hydrogen generation using renewable energy. Polymer-based composite tanks provide lightweight, high-strength on-board storage options for vehicles, enhancing safety and reducing costs. Polymeric proton exchange membranes in fuel cells efficiently convert hydrogen into electricity. Polymers also support hydrogen infrastructure with corrosion-resistant, durable pipelines, distribution ports and as hydrogen sensors. Additionally, porous and reversible hydrogenated-to-dehydrogenated forms of polymers show promise for material-based storage systems. This review highlights the role of polymer materials, their current advancements supporting a green hydrogen economy as a solution for a low-carbon future and future research directions.

A Bird's-Eye View on Polymer-Based Hydrogen Carriers for Mobile Applications

Globally, reducing CO2 emissions is an urgent priority. The hydrogen economy is a system that offers long-term solutions for a secure energy future and the CO2 crisis. From hydrogen production to consumption, storing systems are the foundation of a viable hydrogen economy. Each step has been the topic of intense research for decades; however, the development of a viable, safe, and efficient strategy for the storage of hydrogen remains the most challenging one. Storing hydrogen in polymer-based carriers can realize a more compact and much safer approach that does not require high pressure and cryogenic temperature, with the potential to reach the targets determined by the United States Department of Energy. This review highlights an outline of the major polymeric material groups that are capable of storing and releasing hydrogen reversibly. According to the hydrogen storage results, there is no optimal hydrogen storage system for all stationary and automotive applications so far. Additionally, a comparison is made between different polymeric carriers and relevant solid-state hydrogen carriers to better understand the amount of hydrogen that can be stored and released realistically.