Research and development of hydrogen storage technologies

Energy density of hydrogen is one three thousandth of gasoline. To guarantee the cruising distance of hydrogen fueled vehicles the same level to the gasoline ones, there must be a great challenge to increase energy density of hydrogen in a volume basis. Therefore, on board hydrogen storage is still under discussion because a suitable method has not been found. Major three methods such as compressed hydrogen, liquefied hydrogen and hydrogen storage materials for on board application are introduced. Especially, hydrogen storage materials attract attention because of large volume capacity of hydrogen. Some of the most promising candidates are shown briefly. A technical development, a hybrid tank combined by compressed gas and hydrogen absorbing alloys, seems to be an ideal target in a short-medium term. However, we also need novel materials suitable for on board application working at ambient conditions.