PolyU researcher develops nanoporous materials with enhanced hydrogen storage performance

In the face of growing environmental concerns and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, sustainable clean energy solutions have become paramount in addressing the global energy crisis. Hydrogen is emerging as a key solution, as it generates energy with water as its only by-product, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. However, existing hydrogen storage options, including compressed and cryogenic methods, face challenges such as high cost and safety concerns, limiting their widespread adoption in vehicles. This is where Prof. Tian Tian, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is making a breakthrough in his research. He has developed advanced nanoporous materials that enhance safety and storage efficiency, thereby making hydrogen a more viable and scalable clean energy solution for future transportation.

As surface area determines the amount of hydrogen that can be stored, Prof. Tian’s research focuses on developing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with enhanced surface areas to enable efficient hydrogen storage at lower pressures. By precisely arranging nanoparticles within these MOFs, he minimises the interparticle gaps and maximises storage potential. This innovative approach overcomes traditional challenges in hydrogen storage, such as reliance on high-pressure containers and low temperatures, providing a safer and more efficient alternative.

Besides, another key aspect of Prof. Tian’s innovation involves synthesising and characterising metal-functionalised porous materials, including Cu-functionalised and Co-functionalised boron nitride. The synthesis of Cu-BN reflects the material optimisation strategies employed in his research, aiming to create porous structures capable of storing gases or promoting chemical reactions under controlled conditions. Characterisation techniques such as FTIR, XPS, and PXRD are utilised to verify these materials’ effectiveness in applications like hydrogen storage and CO2 reduction.

However, the commercialisation of MOFs for hydrogen storage faces challenges, particularly due to the high costs of organic solvents and low production yields, which restrict large-scale adoption. Prof. Tian believes that his MOF-based solutions could significantly lower storage costs compared to traditional high-pressure tanks by reducing operational pressures. He also highlights the potential of his porous materials to support a zero-emission society by capturing carbon emissions from industries and enabling safer, more affordable hydrogen energy use.

Prof. Tian has received the Young Innovative Researcher Award (YIRA) 2024 of PolyU. His research is recognised for exploring the frontiers of knowledge, considering practical applications, and assessing their impact on various industries.