In the pursuit of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, hydrogen energy is recognized as a crucial technology for the transition to green energy. However, the storage and transportation of hydrogen pose significant challenges for the large-scale development of the hydrogen energy industry. Professor HUANG Song-Jeng, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has developed an innovative solid-state hydrogen storage technology utilizing magnesium-based composite materials. This breakthrough technology improves the safety of hydrogen storage and transportation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, while also reducing costs.

Professor HUANG in his lab, demonstrating samples of Magnesium-based composite material

Magnesium-based composite material that has absorbed hydrogen (on the right) appears darker in color

While the global hydrogen energy industry is gradually maturing, prevalent technologies, such as liquid hydrogen storage and high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage, still encounter challenges related to high energy consumption, elevated costs, and safety concerns. These issues impede many industries from fully adopting hydrogen energy.
To address these challenges, Huang and his team employed a specialized processing technique to combine hydrogen with magnesium metal, forming a stable solid-state hydrogen storage system. They also improved the absorption and release dynamics of hydrogen and increased the storage capacity. The team found that the magnesium-based composite material can absorb hydrogen within 10 minutes and release it in just 3 minutes, without any loss of conversion efficiency.

Members of Huang’s research team conduct hydrogen absorption and release experiments 

As magnesium is not a rare earth metal, its cost is much lower compared to composite materials like titanium and nickel. Overall, the cost of solid-state hydrogen storage using magnesium-based materials is 70 - 80 times lower than high-pressure gaseous or liquefied hydrogen storage. This cost advantage could motivate industries with high energy consumption, such as the semiconductor and chemical manufacturing sectors, to invest in hydrogen power generation.

This breakthrough is expected to advance various technologies, including hydrogen power generation or hydrogen fuel cells, accelerating Taiwan’s transition toward becoming a hydrogen-powered nation. Taiwan Tech has entered into a NT$23.16 million technology transfer and patent licensing agreement with ATW Technology Co. Additionally, the company will invest NT$30 million in industry-academia collaboration to jointly advance hydrogen energy development. The research achievements have been submitted for invention patents in eight countries, highlighting both the innovation breakthroughs and the market potential of this technology.

Profesor HUANG posing for a photo with his international research team 

HUANG Song-Jeng has been a faculty member at Taiwan Tech for 13 years, and has dedicated 20 years to research in the field of magnesium-based composite materials. His interest in magnesium metal hydrogen storage materials began in 2013, during a year-long stint as a visiting scientist at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
He has also developed magnesium metal matrix composites that address challenges associated with traditional magnesium alloys. These advanced materials have significant applications in lightweight transportation designs, such as cars and airplanes. In addition, they hold potential for use in biomedical implants, including bone screws and plates. Ongoing research into these materials may lead to future clinical applications, providing safer and more efficient treatment options for patients.
Professor Huang praised the excellent research and academic environment at Taiwan Tech and expressed his commitment to advancing innovative technologies that benefit industry. He is also dedicated to passing on his knowledge through teaching, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of scientists, and playing a key role in driving Taiwan's technological progress.

Contact
Professor HUANG Isaac Song-Jeng
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Email: sgjghuang@mail.ntust.edu.tw