Materials Research Directions Towards a Green Hydrogen Economy: A Review

Abstract

A constellation of technologies have been researched with an eye towards enabling a hydrogen economy. Within the research fields of hydrogen production, storage, and utilization in fuel cells, various classes of materials have been developed targeting higher efficiencies and utility. This Review examines recent progress in these research fields from the years 2011-2021, exploring the concepts and materials directions important to each. Particular attention has been given to catalyst materials enabling the green production of hydrogen from water, chemical and physical storage systems, and materials used in technical capacities within fuel cells. Quantification of publication and materials trends provides a picture of the current state of development within each node of the hydrogen economy.