Comparative Study of Hydrogen Storage and Metal Hydride Systems: Future Energy Storage Solutions

Hydrogen is a key energy carrier, playing a vital role in sustainable energy systems. This review provides a comparative analysis of physical, chemical, and innovative hydrogen storage methods from technical, environmental, and economic perspectives. It has been identified that compressed and liquefied hydrogen are predominantly utilized in transportation applications, while chemical transport is mainly supported by liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) and ammonia-based systems. Although metal hydrides and nanomaterials offer high hydrogen storage capacities, they face limitations related to cost and thermal management. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI)- and machine learning (ML)-based optimization techniques are highlighted for their potential to enhance energy efficiency and improve system performance. In conclusion, for hydrogen storage systems to achieve broader applicability, it is recommended that integrated approaches be adopted—focusing on innovative material development, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability.