The challenge
Hydrogen embrittlement is a major hurdle on the path to a future decarbonised society fuelled by green hydrogen. In short, hydrogen embrittles metallic components in an unpredictable and catastrophic fashion. Our research aims to achieve a mechanistic understanding of the hydrogen embrittlement process and identify material technology solutions that will enable safe hydrogen pipeline transmission and vessel storage at scale.
Why this research is valuable
Australia’s gas pipeline network is worth $300-billion. The outcomes of NZI’s research in this space will protect the existing, highly-valuable infrastructure from hydrogen embrittlement, ensuring the safe delivery of hydrogen fuel across the country. This will facilitate Australia’s transition to a hydrogen economy and net zero emissions.
Alloys for the Hydrogen Economy – Research themes
- Using advanced microscopy techniques to observe the behaviours of hydrogen atoms in metallic materials and how they initiate failures at small scales
- Determining the susceptibilities of individual microstructural features to hydrogen embrittlement
- Developing a microstructural design strategy that can lead to materials with sufficient hydrogen embrittlement resistance
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Preparing for the hydrogen economy
Team leader
Members
Bosheng Dong