Engineered supramolecular crystals for high-capacity hydrogen storage

Hydrogen storage is pivotal in transitioning to sustainable energy systems, yet balancing volumetric and gravimetric storage capabilities has been a longstanding challenge. Efficient hydrogen storage solutions are essential for practical applications in fuel-based systems, driving the need for advanced material engineering.

The perspective by Jiayi Zuo, Hao Wang, and Hongyi Gao discusses research by Stoddart et al. in Nature Chemistry that demonstrates that engineered supramolecular crystals can optimize hydrogen storage performance. These crystals utilize multivalent hydrogen bonding to create precise molecular linkages in hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), achieving notable volumetric (53.7 g/L) and gravimetric (9.3 wt%) storage capacities under dynamic conditions.

The research involved designing and synthesizing supramolecular crystals with specific hydrogen-bonding interactions. Tests conducted under dynamic thermo-pressure cycling conditions confirmed the crystals' enhanced storage capabilities, showcasing their reliability and efficiency.

This advancement in hydrogen storage materials could significantly impact the energy sector, facilitating the broader adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. The engineered crystals have the potential to improve the efficiency of hydrogen-powered vehicles and other technologies, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced energy sustainability.

The study was supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation and the Open Project Program of the State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems at Beihang University. For more details, read the full paper in Frontiers in Energy: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-025-1026-0. Future research will focus on further refining these materials for industrial applications.