Toward a zero-explosion hydrogen era!
KIMS developed solid-state hydrogen storage technology with enhanced safety and cost efficiency
image: Comparison between conventional manufacturing technology and the newly developed manufacturing process.
Credit: Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS)
A research team led by Dr. Young-Min Kim and Dr. Byeong-Chan Suh from Lightweight Materials Research Division at the Korea Institute of Materials Science(KIMS) has developed the world's first solid-state hydrogen storage material capable of storing and transporting hydrogen safely without the need for high-pressure tanks or cryogenic systems. The newly developed magnesium-nickel-tin(Mg-20Ni-Sn) alloy securely locks hydrogen within the metal structure, eliminating the risk of explosion while significantly reducing manufacturing costs and energy consumption.
Conventional hydrogen storage methods have relied on either high-pressure gas compression (350–700 bar) or cryogenic liquefaction at temperatures as low as –253°C. However, these approaches are associated with significant challenges, including high explosion risk, excessive energy consumption, and natural boil-off losses.
A promising solution to these challenges is solid-state hydrogen storage technology. This method involves chemically bonding hydrogen with metal, then releasing it when needed, enabling long-term storage and transportation without the risk of explosion. However, previously used solid-state hydrogen storage materials have faced limitations in storage density, absorption/desorption rates, and high production costs, which have hindered their commercialization.
To overcome these limitations, the research team developed a magnesium-nickel-tin(Mg-20Ni-Sn) alloy. This alloy combines high-density magnesium (Mg) phases with magnesium-nickel (Mg₂Ni) phases-known for fast hydrogen absorption and desorption-into a layered structure. A small amount of tin (Sn) was added to refine the grain structure, thereby enhancing reactivity. As a result, the hydrogen storage performance was improved by more than threefold compared to conventional materials.
This technology enables the transport of an equivalent amount of hydrogen-previously carried in a 40-feet high-pressure gas trailer-using a single 5-ton truck, effectively cutting transportation costs. In particular, when hydrogen is stored in the form of metal hydrides, the material exhibits excellent oxidation resistance, meaning that long-term exposure to air does not lead to performance degradation. As a result, hydrogen can be transported safely at atmospheric pressure, without the need for high-pressure tanks, much like general cargo.
The manufacturing process has also been significantly simplified. While conventional methods required expensive powder metallurgy techniques, the research team developed a process that uses standard casting to produce bulk alloy, which is then machined into thin metal chips approximately 50 micrometers thick-about half the thickness of a human hair. This thin-chip format allows rapid hydrogen diffusion and highly efficient reactions. Moreover, the process is suitable for mass production, reducing manufacturing costs to one-tenth of those associated with traditional methods.
In addition, the research team collaborated with industry partners and other government-funded research institutes to develop an induction-heated storage vessel and a real-time monitoring system, further extending the impact of their research. Induction heating enables rapid heating of the metal hydride stored inside the vessel, allowing for efficient hydrogen absorption and release. Unlike conventional gaseous storage, this method significantly reduces volume requirements, enabling high-capacity hydrogen storage in compact spaces.
Dr. Young-Min Kim, Principal Researcher and Professor at the UST-KIMS School, stated, “This technology marks the first proven case of safely and economically transporting hydrogen without the need for specialized equipment.”He added, “We plan to expand its application across various sectors—such as power plants, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems—by linking it with hydrogen produced from renewable energy and nuclear power sources.”
This research was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). The results were consecutively published in three world-class journals, including the Journal of Magnesium and Alloys (Impact Factor: 14.3).
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About Korea Institute of Materials Science(KIMS)
KIMS is a non-profit government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. As the only institute specializing in comprehensive materials technologies in Korea, KIMS has contributed to Korean industry by carrying out a wide range of activities related to materials science including R&D, inspection, testing&evaluation, and technology support.