Emerging concepts in solid-state hydrogen storage: the role of nanomaterials design

This perspective highlights the state-of-the-art solid-state hydrogen storage and describes newly emerging routes towards meeting the practical demands required of a solid-state storage system. The article focuses both on the physical and chemical aspects of hydrogen storage. Common to both classes of storage material is the concept of nanostructure design to tailor kinetics and thermodynamics; whether this be control of functionalised porosity or crystalline growth on the nanoscale. In the area of chemical storage, different processing and nanostructuring techniques that have been employed to overcome the barriers of slow kinetics will be discussed in addition to new chemical systems that have emerged. The prospects of porous inorganic solids, coordination polymers (metal organic frameworks; MOFs) and other polymeric matrices for physical storage of hydrogen will be highlighted. Additionally the role of inorganic nanostructures as evolving materials intermediate between physical and chemical storage systems will be discussed and their place within the fine thermodynamic balance for optimum hydrogen uptake and release considered. The concept of nanostructure design to tailor kinetics and thermodynamics in hydrogen storage materials is proving a crucial tool towards attaining the performance needed for key applications such as transport. This Perspective assesses the state of the art and prospects for future development.