Exploring the potential of high-performance hydrogen storage using metal hydrides with triply periodic minimal surface structures for mobility applications

Metal hydrides (MHs) are a promising solution for hydrogen storage due to their safety and high volumetric hydrogen density. However, their slow absorption/desorption rates and low gravimetric storage capacity limit their application, particularly in the mobility sector. To address these challenges, this study explores the integration of a metal hydride reactor (MHR) into a vehicle body utilizing triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures as heat exchangers. These structures offer a lightweight design, high mechanical strength, and excellent heat transfer properties. Four TPMS structures—Diamond, Gyroid, Schwarz-P, and Lidinoid—were analyzed for their mechanical strength, hydrogen absorption/desorption rates, and storage capacity. A numerical evaluation was conducted on these types of TPMS-based MHR (60, 120, and 300 mm per side). The results show that these structures can withstand bending loads of up to 8000 N. Among them, Lidinoid exhibited the highest hydrogen absorption and desorption efficiencies due to its large heat transfer area and complex geometry, which facilitated uniform MH distribution. It absorbed approximately 1.3 wt% of hydrogen in 600 s and released it in 650 s. Additionally, integrating the MHR into a battery housing (2230, 1406, and 124 mm per side) enabled a hydrogen storage capacity of up to 7.65 kg, underscoring the potential of TPMS-based MHRs to enhance MH-based hydrogen storage for mobility applications. • TPMS-based metal hydride reactor was developed for efficient hydrogen storage in mobility. • Numerical simulations evaluated MH reactor strength and hydrogen absorption/desorption. • TPMS-based MH reactor withstood a designated bending load and provided excellent heat exchange. • Lidinoid-based MH reactor completely absorbed about 1.32 wt% of hydrogen in 600 s and released it in 650 s.