Opportunities for the materials research community to support the development of the H_2 economy

Abstract

The goal of decarbonizing global energy systems by 2050 is a challenge of unprecedented scope and ambition. Hydrogen has been identified as an important enabler for this effort, but its precise role in the energy transition and future energy system remains unclear. The MRS Focus on Sustainability subcommittee sponsored a panel discussion on the roles of and materials needs associated with hydrogen in the energy transition. This commentary summarizes key elements from the panel discussion and addresses how the materials research community can engage more deeply with the H_2 energy transition. The topics include inventing new materials with improved properties for advanced technologies, but also supporting the growth of a robust manufacturing base, improving materials corrosion mitigation, helping to de-risk supply chains, and training qualified workers across the industrial ecosystem to reinforce a culture of safety and support the evolution of commercial processes and business models. Graphical abstract