Current Hydrogen Storage Difficulties and Possible Solutions

Abstract

Using hydrogen as an energy source is becoming increasingly popular around the globe. Compared to other traditional energy sources, hydrogen can be effectively produced and utilized. However, the technology of hydrogen storage is difficult and constrains hydrogen power to be applied globally on a large scale. Hydrogen can be stored in the liquid phase, chemically kept and retained in either a covalent or an ionic compound, in gas cylinders, on materials with a large specific surface area, and in oxidation of reactive metals in water. However, each of the above-mentioned hydrogen storage methods has its own flaws and their technical difficulties. Aquifers, exhausted natural gas and oil reserves, and salt caverns are all examples of ways and methods to physically store hydrogen underground. These places are often places where large-scale hydrogen storage takes place. If the issue could be resolved, and the challenge of hydrogen storage be overcome, it would be a huge improvement to the entire humanity as hydrogen is a very promising future energy source.