Hydrogen diffusion through thin-ply composites

Abstract

There is a growing need to reduce the CO2 emissions related to transportation (24% of energy related emissions) to achieve the commitments of the Paris agreement. Hydrogen technology has therefore emerged as a sustainable alternative with applications in aviation, maritime and road transportation. The storage of hydrogen, however, remains a key challenge in adopting the new technology as hydrogen liquefies at -253°C and even in its liquid form has low specific density [1]. Therefore, larger tanks are required with the ability to prevent hydrogen diffusion through the tank, resist moderate to high pressures and withstand thermal fatigue cycles. However, larger metallic tanks increase the weight of the structure and thus composite materials (with low specific density) are explored as a sustainable alternative to hydrogen storage