Metal hydrides have come up recently as promising candidates for local hydrogen storage, mainly in the form of magnesium-based hydrides, such as MgH2. However, current metal hydrides have several problems with respect to storage capacity, kinetics and efficiency per number of cycles followed by heat dissipation issues. Another material-related challenge is the development of new advanced materials with excellent microstructural stability and resistance to softening at high-temperature applications in energetics.
Needs addressed: Based on the current climatic conditions, it is necessary to reduce CO₂ emissions and renewable resources of energy production are the best answer to this demand. However, the green energy from renewables faces three major challenges: Sustainable local energy generation, efficient transfer of energy, and effective and safe storage of energy. One of the most efficient ways to use energy from renewables is to produce and store energy locally in a decentralised system directly with the energy consumer. Metal hydrides have come up recently as promising candidates for local hydrogen storage, mainly in the form of magnesium-based hydrides, such as MgH2. However, current metal hydrides have several problems with respect to storage capacity, kinetics and efficiency per number of cycles followed by heat dissipation issues. Another material-related challenge is the development of new advanced materials with excellent microstructural stability and resistance to softening at high-temperature applications in energetics.
The innovation objectives of this project are to provide a novel metal hydride composite that is efficient to provide hydrogenation capacity near Mg alloys, faster kinetics, increased dehydrogenation capacity and limited degradation of material per cycle. The material will be based on the high entropy alloy concept with the addition of catalysts and will be produced not only in the traditional powder form but also as thin sheets and bulk material, using all the benefits of severe plastic deformation applied during the production process. This vision is reflecting key strategic orientations of the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2021–2024, aiming at technological innovations for a climate-neutral sustainable economy. In the second stage, the use of this type of innovative composite material in high-temperature applications suitable for energetics will be tested.
As the first outcome, the project will enhance a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms governing the hydrogenation and high-temperature behaviour of HEA-based composites with respect to the processing parameters and microstructural stability. The more practically oriented results of the project solution will be a functional sample of new composite material for hydrogen storage, followed by a verified technology of the production of this material and finally also a functional sample of high-temperature performance material. The project aims to increase the current TRL2 to TRL4.
Impact and potential benefits: It is anticipated that the used concept may provide a pathway for the implementation of green technology efficiently and economically to mobile applications along with many others. The development of a new technology of hydrogen storage materials could therefore be economically as well as socially important, as it would support environmentally friendly and sustainable transport of goods and people. The involvement of forming technologies in the production process of those novel composite materials might also provide a new application opportunity for traditional heavy industry companies in the near future.