Hydrogen Storage Materials
The Characterisation of Their Hydrogen Storage
Properties

Darren P. Broom

The problem of storing hydrogen safely and
effectively is one of the major technological barriers
currently preventing the widespread adoption of hydrogen
as an energy carrier and the subsequent transition to a
so-called hydrogen economy. Practical issues with the
storage of hydrogen in both gas and liquid form appear to
make reversible solid state hydrogen storage the most
promising potential solution. Hydrogen Storage Materials addresses the
characterisation of the hydrogen storage properties of the
materials that are currently being considered for this
purpose.

The background to the topic is introduced, along with the
various types of materials that are currently under
investigation, including nanostructured interstitial and
complex hydrides, and porous materials, such as
metal-organic frameworks and microporous organic polymers.
The main features of Hydrogen
Storage Materials include:

an overview of the different types of hydrogen storage
materials and the properties that are of interest for
their practical use;

descriptions of the gas sorption measurement methods
used to determine these properties, and the
complementary techniques that can be used to help
corroborate hydrogen uptake data; and

extensive coverage of the practical considerations for
accurate hydrogen sorption measurement that drive both
instrument design and the development of experimental
methodology.

Hydrogen Storage Materials
provides an up-to-date overview of the topic for experienced
researchers, while including enough introductory material to
serve as a useful, practical introduction for newcomers to
the field.

"When compared with fossil fuels, hydrogen comes out on top
in every comparison, except one. Hydrogen is the lightest
fuel, the most efficient fuel and the cleanest fuel.
However, for a given amount of energy, its storage is
heavier and takes more volume, as compared with fluid fossil
fuels, i.e., petroleum and natural gas. Hence, extensive
R&D activities around the world are taking place in
order to improve the gravimetric and volumetric storage
properties of hydrogen. In this respect, Hydrogen Storage
Materials offer the best promise. The book Hydrogen Storage Materials:
The Characterisation of Their Storage Properties by
Darren P. Broom admirably presents the latest knowledge and
research results on this important topic. Consequently, I
strongly recommend this book to hydrogen energy scientists
and engineers in general, and to those involved in the
storage of hydrogen in particular."

T. Nejat Veziroglu, President of the International
Association for Hydrogen Energy

"The book contains an impressive number of useful and
topical references, and a descriptive introductory chapter
outlining the search for a viable solid state store...[It]
provides a good overview of these developments which sets
the scene for the subsequent chapters which concentrate in
commendable detail on the measurement techniques...In
summary therefore, the search for a viable, lightweight
solid state hydrogen storage material continues and to aid
this task, this book provides a very valuable addition to a
researcher's shelf."

This chapter covers hydrogen storage in
nanoporous materials, which is one of the options currently
being considered for automotive or mobile applications. It
first introduces the principles behind hydrogen adsorption
by these materials and the methods used to characterise
their hydrogen storage properties. It then provides an
overview of the different material types that are available
– including porous carbons, zeolites, metal-organic
frameworks and microporous organic polymers – and their most
important hydrogen storage properties. The chapter concludes
with a discussion of the use of nanoporous materials in
practical hydrogen storage units, the most important
considerations for this purpose, and a discussion of future
trends in the area.