An effective method for storage of hydrogen is one of the technological challenging aspects of achieving a hydrogen-based economy. Hydrogen storage in solid materials is the only method that can fulfil international long-term goals for the use of hydrogen in vehicles. Compressed or liquid hydrogen will never meet the long-term goals for hydrogen storage in such applications with respect to gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen density. However, at present no materials satisfy the goals, but during the last years a number of promising materials have developed.
Task 22 "Fundamental and Applied Hydrogen Storage Materials Development" in the International Energy Agency (IEA) Hydrogen Implementation Agreement (HIA) is the largest international collaborative effort in the field of hydrogen storage. At present 55 Experts from 19 countries are active in the Task. Task 22 has the following targets:
A. Develop a reversible or regenerative hydrogen storage medium fulfilling international targets for hydrogen storage.
B. Develop the fundamental and engineering understanding of hydrogen storage by various hydrogen storage media that have the capability of meeting Target A.
C. Develop hydrogen storage materials and systems for use in stationary applications.
Task 22 is open to reversible metal hydrides, regenerative hydrogen storage materials (chemical hydrides), nanoporous materials and rechargeable organic liquids and solids.
The presentation will address challenges with respect to hydrogen storage and give an overview of the present status of hydrogen storage materials development using examples from the international collaboration in Task 22 of IEA HIA.