A Review of Physics of Hydrogen Energy

Abstract

Hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising pathway toward a sustainable and low-carbon energy future due to its high gravimetric energy density, clean combustion characteristics, and versatility across energy sectors. The physics of hydrogen energy encompasses the fundamental principles governing hydrogen production, storage, transport, conversion, and utilization. These processes are rooted in thermodynamics, electrochemistry, quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and fluid dynamics. Understanding the physical mechanisms underlying hydrogen interactions with materials, charge and mass transport, and energy conversion efficiency is essential for advancing hydrogen-based technologies. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the physics of hydrogen energy, covering production methods, storage mechanisms, transport phenomena, and conversion systems such as fuel cells. Comparative analysis of hydrogen technologies is provided, followed by discussion of current challenges and future research directions.