I am working on identifying technologies that can power military combat platforms in austere environments. With NATO announcing that it will be net zero emissions by 2050, there is a scramble to find technologies that can replace fossil fuels for operational platforms. There are currently no mature technologies that can meet operational requirements. This includes batteries, gas or liquid hydrogen, and other liquid fuels such as ammonia. My work focuses on researching solid-state hydrogen storage technologies to create a new way to store hydrogen in a safe, scalable, and efficient manner.

The current leading contender seems to be the magnesium-coated thin film technology developed by Plasma Kinetics (see illustrations). This technology uses thin films that are coated on both sides with a series of materials which enable it to absorb the hydrogen at room temperature and pressure. Once the hydrogen is absorbed, the film can store it for a long period of time. Their long-term study showed that the film can store hydrogen for five years without degradation or loss. The film is rolled into canisters which can be hot swapped when they are empty for full ones. To release the stored hydrogen Plasma Kinetics uses a laser release mechanism that relies on plasmonic heating of the thin film. This method is more efficient than thermal release and provides accurate control of the amount of released hydrogen.

As I work in the military, we are in the process of conducting a feasibility study to determine if this technology can be used to power military heavy logistics vehicles. The results of the study will be used to request additional funding to move to a TRL-6 prototype. Once we can demonstrate that the technology can be used on a military vehicle, it will open the door for civilian companies to develop their own versions of hydrogen-powered vehicles that can operate without fossil fuels. These new platforms will be hybrid in order to be efficient enough to run on hydrogen due to its lower energy density. As such, they will have large batteries that can be incorporated into local micro grids and smart grids.

The consumption of hydrogen produces water (1 kg of hydrogen produces 9 L of water). This water will be collected and filtered so soldiers will be able to drink it. Therefore, we will be able to combine fuel and water logistics within the same safe canister system. Hydrogen can also be produced using multiple methods such as electrolysis, pyrolysis, photolysis, etc. It can also be found underground which means we don’t need to produce it. If I can prove that the solid-state hydrogen is safe and has enough energy density to power heavy vehicles, it will be a new vehicle design paradigm that can revolutionize both military and civilian platforms.