Selection of Solar-Based Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production and Hydrogen Storage Technologies Using Neutrosophic Analytic Hierarchy Process and Neutrosophic Complex Proportional Assessment

Abstract The production of hydrogen through water-splitting using solar energy has the potential to meet the world’s future energy demand while also addressing the issue of greenhouse gas emissions. To compare and select the best technology among solar thermochemical cycles, photoelectrochemical, and photocatalytic water-splitting in terms of solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, production cost, safety, life expectancy, maintenance cost, and detrimental impact on the environment, this study used a multi-criteria decision analysis hybrid called Neutrosophic Analytic Hierarchy Process (NAHP) and Neutrosophic Complex Proportional Assessment (NCOPRAS). The same method was used to determine the best technology for automobiles among compressed hydrogen storage, metal hydrides, metal-organic frameworks, and chemical storage in terms of gravimetric system capacity, volumetric system capacity, safety, system cost, cycle life, energy efficiency, detrimental impact on the environment, and refueling time. There were 4 experts each in hydrogen storage and hydrogen, specifically from the Philippines, Australia, India, Romania, and Italy. All experts’ judgments have a consistency ratio (CR) < 0.1. The priority criterion for hydrogen production was life expectancy (weighted value (WV) = 0.189), and gravimetric system capacity for hydrogen storage (WV = 0.137). The result showed that among all alternatives for hydrogen production, the solar thermochemical cycle was the best (relative significance value (RSV) = 0.3432) as for hydrogen storage, the best technology among the alternatives was metal hydrides (RSV = 0.2575). A sensitivity analysis was used to check the variability and robustness of the solution.