Résumé
Hydrogen storage is a key technology for the fuel applications. Hydrogen has the highest energy density of any fuel; however, its low ambient temperature density results in a low energy per unit volume. High density hydrogen storage is a challenge for stationary and portable applications and remains a significant challenge for transportation applications. Presently available storage options typically require large-volume systems that store hydrogen in gaseous form. On a mass basis, hydrogen has nearly three times the energy content of gasoline—120 MJ/kg for hydrogen versus 44 MJ/kg for gasoline. On a volume basis, however, the situation is reversed; liquid hydrogen has a density of 8 MJ/L whereas gasoline has a density of 32 MJ/L, as shown in the figure (https://energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-storage) comparing energy densities of fuels based on lower heating values. Onboard hydrogen storage capacities of 5–13 kg hydrogen will be required to meet the driving range for the full range of light-duty vehicle platforms. One of alternative methods is storage by adsorption in porous materials.The numerical modeling of hydrogen adsorption has been a part of research with the goal to provide adequate hydrogen storage for onboard light-duty vehicle, material-handling equipment, and portable power. Here we discuss how this methodology has been used for the last 20 years and what is it contribution towards final solution. The discussion will be focused on three aspects. First, we will discuss why the existing high-surface porous materials are not promising hydrogen sorbents. Then, we will show how chemical modifications of the adsorbing surface may increase the binding energy between the hydrogen molecule and the surface. Finally, we will present the “universal” limits of hydrogen adsorption in porous structures and discuss the resulting problems and future research perspectives.