This technology is the application of non-precious metal "atomic layer thin films" and "low-dimensional nanocomposites" to modify the surfaces of crucial components in water electrolysis hydrogen production and solid-state hydrogen storage, optimizing the efficiency of water splitting and kinetics of (de)hydrogenation reactions. This includes modifying the electrocatalyst electrode and alkaline anion exchange membrane (AEM) for water electrolysis and Mg-based alloy powders for hydrogen storage.

This technology employs atomic layer deposition to perform molecular-scale surface optimization on MOF electrocatalyst electrodes and commercial AEM. The results are HER and OER overpotentials of less than 20 and 250 mV, respectively, and increased ionic conductivity of AEM by 25% to 0.12 S/cm with 1000 h stability. The technology also synthesizes low-dimensional nanocomposites for coating Mg-based hydrogen storage alloy powders, spurring the hydrogen absorption/desorption rate to 1.5 wt%/min.

The technology includes low-cost, scalable material surface modification techniques for enhancing water electrolysis hydrogen production and solid-state hydrogen storage. It can be applied to scenarios using AEM water electrolyzers, including green hydrogen production hubs integrating renewable solar/wind energy. Mg-based hydrogen storage powders optimized with low-dimensional coating nanocomposites can be used in applications requiring long-term, high-safety hydrogen storage/release operation.