New liquid can simplify hydrogen transportation and storage

[OKIsItJustMe]

https://actu.epfl.ch/news/new-liquid-can-simplify-hydrogen-transportation--3/

New liquid can simplify hydrogen transportation and storage

Researchers at EPFL and Kyoto University have created the first hydride-based deep eutectic solvent—a stable hydrogen-rich liquid formed by mixing two simple chemicals. This breakthrough could make hydrogen storage easier, safer, and more efficient at room temperature.

11.07.25

Hydrogen can be the clean fuel of the future, but getting it from the lab to everyday life isn’t simple. Most hydrogen-rich materials are solids at room temperature, or they only become liquids under extreme conditions like high pressure or freezing temperatures.

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Scientists from the groups of Professors Andreas Züttel at EPFL and Satoshi Horike at Kyoto University have developed the first example of a hydride-based DES: a transparent, stable hydrogen-rich liquid that stays liquid at room temperature. The new DES can contain up to 6.9% hydrogen by weight, exceeding several technical targets for hydrogen storage including those set for 2025 by the US Department of Energy.

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Using spectroscopy, the researchers confirmed that the molecules formed strong hydrogen bonds, breaking up their usual solid structure and keeping the mixture liquid down to minus 50°C. Tests showed the new liquid could release hydrogen when heated to just 60°C, much lower than most hydrogen-rich solids. This means hydrogen can be accessed more easily and efficiently, making storage and use much more practical for real-world applications.

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This new DES could make hydrogen storage and transport much simpler and safer. Instead of relying on high-pressure tanks or super-cold liquids, industries could use stable, easy-to-handle hydrogen carriers at room temperature.

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[eppur_se_muova]

1. Ammonia is 17.75% hydrogen by weight, burns in fuel cells to form N2 and H2O.

Boils at -28F, can be handled about as easily as LNG, except avoid copper-based alloys which corrode.

This idea has been around for a long time, and there has been substantial progress recently. Expect NH3 to surpass H2 in practical usage before much longer.

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. Yes, I am also interested in "Green Ammonia"

A virtue you don't mention is its usefulness in cleaning up agriculture. At this point, roughly ½ of all food is grown using ammonia-based fertilizers, made using natural gas. “Green Ammonia” could clean this up.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/11/green-ammonia-climate-change-energy-transition/

However, hydrogen has many uses. The least of which (presently) is transportation. For example “Green Hydrogen” can be used to make “Clean Steel.”

Devlin, A., Kossen, J., Goldie-Jones, H. et al. Global green hydrogen-based steel opportunities surrounding high quality renewable energy and iron ore deposits. Nat Commun 14, 2578 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38123-2