Hydrogen Adsorption Dynamics in Porous Media
Summary
Hydrogen adsorption dynamics in porous media underpin a range of emerging technologies for energy storage and gas separation. In these systems, hydrogen molecules adhere to the internal surfaces of materials such as clay minerals, coal seams, shale and engineered porous substrates. The efficiency of adsorption is strongly influenced by pressure, temperature, pore structure and mineral composition. Physisorption, governed by weak van der Waals forces, dominates under typical geological conditions, while chemisorption can occur in tailored materials with active sites. Micropores with diameters below 2 nm provide the highest surface‐to‐volume ratio and play a key role in uptake capacity, although mesopores and macropores contribute to transport kinetics. Competitive adsorption with gases such as carbon dioxide or methane can alter hydrogen retention and release profiles, leading to hysteresis effects during pressure cycling. Mathematical models, including Langmuir and more advanced multilayer isotherms, describe equilibrium uptake, while diffusion coefficients and kinetic models characterise rate‐controlled processes. Understanding these interactions is vital for underground hydrogen storage, seasonal buffering of renewable energy, and simultaneous gas separation and CO₂ sequestration. Integration of experimental sorption measurements, molecular simulations and field‐scale reservoir modelling is accelerating the development of efficient, safe and scalable hydrogen storage systems with global relevance for decarbonisation and industrial gas management.
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Hydrogen Adsorption Dynamics in Porous Media publication trend
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Technical terms
Adsorption: The process by which gas molecules adhere to solid surfaces within pores.
Physisorption: A reversible adsorption mechanism governed by weak intermolecular forces.
Micropore: A pore with diameter below 2 nm that contributes greatly to surface area and storage capacity.
Competitive Adsorption: The simultaneous uptake of multiple gas species affecting each other’s sorption behaviour.
Diffusion Coefficient: A parameter quantifying the rate at which molecules migrate through a porous medium.
References
- Identification of early opportunities for simultaneous H2 separation and CO2 storage using depleted coal seams. Separation and Purification Technology (2024).
- Hydrogen and Cushion Gas Adsorption–Desorption Dynamics on Clay Minerals. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2024).
- Hydrogen Adsorption in Porous Geological Materials: A Review. Sustainability (2024).
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