Taiwan’s NCKU Develops Breakthrough Hydrogen-Resistant Steel for Safer Energy Storage
National Cheng Kung University, a leading institution in Taiwan, has made a groundbreaking development that could potentially transform the hydrogen energy industry. A team led by Professor Hong Feiyi from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering has created 416B stainless steel, a hydrogen-resistant material capable of resisting hydrogen embrittlement, a process that causes metals to become brittle and prone to cracking when exposed to hydrogen. This advancement is seen as an essential step toward making hydrogen fuel storage safer and more reliable.
The Hydrogen Challenge: Safety Concerns and Development Bottlenecks
Hydrogen energy is often hailed as one of the cleanest energy sources due to its zero carbon emissions when produced through water electrolysis. However, one of the biggest challenges facing the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source is hydrogen embrittlement. This phenomenon occurs when hydrogen atoms infiltrate metal materials, leading to brittleness and cracks. In the context of hydrogen storage tanks and transport pipelines, this poses a major safety hazard, as cracks can lead to hydrogen leaks and, in worst-case scenarios, explosions. There have been previous incidents globally, fueling concerns over the viability of hydrogen energy without addressing this issue.
Creating the Hydrogen-Resistant Steel: 416B and 420L
Professor Hong Feiyi’s team has taken significant strides in overcoming this issue. Through innovative material science, they have developed 416B stainless steel, a unique alloy that not only resists hydrogen embrittlement but also maintains higher strength and hardness compared to other commonly used stainless steels such as 309 and 316. These steels, while effective in resisting corrosion in various environments, do not offer adequate protection against hydrogen embrittlement.
416B stainless steel offers enhanced resistance to hydrogen tunneling, which occurs when hydrogen atoms pass through materials and create microscopic fissures that weaken structural integrity. In addition to the 416B, the team has also developed a hydrogen-resistant welding material called 420L, which, when treated, becomes dehydrogenated and can withstand hydrogen attacks during welding, a crucial component in the construction of pipelines and storage containers.
NCKU’s Advanced Testing Capabilities for Hydrogen Resistance
To ensure the efficacy of the new materials, the team at NCKU has set up one of the few laboratories in Taiwan capable of evaluating hydrogen embrittlement in metals. The laboratory utilizes a high-temperature tensile fatigue testing machine, the only one of its kind in the country, to perform rigorous tests on the materials under concentrated hydrogen treatment. This process simulates the hydrogen environment the materials would encounter in real-world applications, allowing the researchers to monitor the impact of hydrogen exposure over extended periods.
Superior Strength and Durability for Hydrogen Storage Applications
The tests conducted on the 416B stainless steel revealed that its resistance to hydrogen tunneling was more than one time better than that of other industrial-grade stainless steels. This enhancement makes 416B steel a prime candidate for the manufacture of hydrogen storage tanks, valves, and fasteners used in hydrogen energy infrastructure. Its superior strength and hardness also mean that it can endure the impacts and collisions that might occur in the event of accidents, particularly in hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Unlike other materials currently used for hydrogen storage, such as glass fiber, which has potential health risks and poor impact resistance, 416B stainless steel offers higher durability and safety. Glass fiber is known to be carcinogenic when inhaled, making it an unsuitable choice for long-term use in hydrogen storage applications.
The Potential Impact on the Hydrogen Energy Sector
The new hydrogen-resistant materials, 416B and 420L, could significantly improve the safety and efficiency of hydrogen fuel storage and transportation. As the world increasingly shifts towards clean energy sources, the ability to safely store and transport hydrogen becomes a critical issue. Hydrogen energy, often touted as a future green alternative to fossil fuels, could be more readily adopted with the advent of these new materials, reducing the risk of accidents and making hydrogen energy infrastructure more reliable.
In addition to these innovations, the team has worked closely with Shourui, a welding rod manufacturer in Tainan, to develop the 420L welding material, which can help maintain the integrity of welded joints in hydrogen pipelines, a particularly vulnerable area for hydrogen embrittlement.
Ongoing Research and Development
The work at NCKU is ongoing, with the team continuously testing the new materials and refining their properties. The university has also filed for patents related to the 416B stainless steel and 420L welding material, marking a significant milestone in hydrogen energy technology. These materials are expected to play a crucial role in the future development of hydrogen-powered vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydrogen transportation networks.
Professor Hong Feiyi and his team, including Dr. Wu Boding, Lu Zhewei, and Huang Yuzhen, have already published their research papers, and the application for patents is underway. This breakthrough could pave the way for safer and more efficient hydrogen energy solutions on a global scale.
National Cheng Kung University has not only contributed a significant scientific breakthrough with hydrogen-resistant steel but also laid the foundation for advancing hydrogen energy technology, positioning Taiwan at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
