Integration of Green Hydrogen Production and Storage via Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Hydrogen economy, which proposes employing hydrogen to replace or supplement the current fossil-fuel-based energy economy system, is widely accepted as the future energy scheme for the sustainable and green development of human society. While the hydrogen economy has shown tremendous potential, the associated challenges with hydrogen production and storage remain significant barriers to wide applications. In light of this consideration, the integration of green hydrogen production and storage through electrocatalysis for direct production of chemical hydrogen storage media has emerged as a potential solution to these challenges. Specifically, through electrocatalysis, CO₂ and H₂O can be converted into methanol or formic acid, while N₂ or NO_x along with H₂O can be transformed into ammonia, streamlining the hydrogen economy scheme. In this Perspective, we provide an overview of recent developments in this technology. Additionally, we briefly discuss the general properties and corresponding production strategies via the electrolysis of these chemical hydrogen storage media. Finally, we conclude by offering insights into future perspectives in this field, anticipating that the successful advancement of such technology will propel the development of the hydrogen economy toward practical implementation.