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Introduction

Conclusions

Solid State Storage

A more promising technology involves storing hydrogen molecules in chemically bonded formations with other elements. Hydride storage generally falls under two categories: metallic and non-metallic storage.

Metallic storage techniques that have been developed use metals such as magnesium, lithium and nickel to act as cations for the negatively charged hydrogen atoms. Certain qualities are necessary for successful metal hydride storage: the metal must have a fairly low molar mass to minimize weight of the system; the hydrogen must associate and disassociate with the metal quickly and without requiring extreme energy inputs; and hysteresis must be limited. Thus far, metal hydride systems have only been able to achieve 1-2% hydogen storage by weight. However, because they are much denser than liquid or gaseous storage, they may actually offer similar energy densities.

Non-metallic hydride storage uses elements such as boron in a similar fashion.