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Advancements and Innovations in Hydrogen Energy

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 9316

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Centre for Energy Engineering, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
Interests: hydrogen production; hydrogen storage and transportation; artificial intelligence and machine learning in hydrogen energy; hydrogen applications and integration

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue on "Advancements and Innovations in Hydrogen Energy" in the open access journal Applied Sciences. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and innovative developments in the field of hydrogen energy, showcasing the latest advancements and their potential applications.

Hydrogen energy represents a pivotal area of research and development in the quest for sustainable and renewable energy sources. With the growing urgency to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy systems, hydrogen has emerged as a key player due to its high energy content and environmentally friendly properties. This Special Issue seeks to explore the full spectrum of hydrogen energy research, from production and storage to distribution and utilization.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Advanced methods for hydrogen production, including electrolysis, thermolysis, and photolysis.;
  • Innovative hydrogen storage solutions, such as solid-state storage, liquid hydrogen, and advanced materials;
  • Hydrogen fuel cells and their applications in transportation, stationary power, and portable devices;
  • Integration of hydrogen energy systems with renewable energy sources;
  • Advances in hydrogen infrastructure, including distribution networks and refueling stations;
  • Emerging technologies and materials for hydrogen energy;
  • Applications of AI and machine learning for optimizing hydrogen production processes and systems;
  • Predictive analytics for demand forecasting and supply chain management in hydrogen networks;
  • Use of AI in modeling and simulation of hydrogen energy systems.

We invite researchers, scholars, and industry experts to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address these and related topics. Your contributions will help drive forward the understanding and application of hydrogen energy technologies, fostering a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hydrogen production
  • hydrogen storage
  • fuel cells
  • renewable energy integration
  • hydrogen infrastructure
  • sustainable energy
  • advanced materials
  • environmental impact

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 5569 KiB  
Article
Updating and 24 H Testing of State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization’s Thermochemical Iodine–Sulfur Cycle Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production System
by Jinxu Zhang, Yong He, Junjie Zeng, Wenlong Song, Wubin Weng and Zhihua Wang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 5183; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15095183 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 434
Abstract
This paper reports the latest update to and a 24 h continuous operation test of the CEU’s thermochemical iodine–sulfur cycle water-splitting system with a maximum H2 hydrogen production capacity of 1500 L/h. To address challenges such as high energy consumption and severe [...] Read more.
This paper reports the latest update to and a 24 h continuous operation test of the CEU’s thermochemical iodine–sulfur cycle water-splitting system with a maximum H2 hydrogen production capacity of 1500 L/h. To address challenges such as high energy consumption and severe corrosion in traditional processes, the system was updated and optimized by introducing a small-cycle design, simulated using Aspen Plus software, achieving a thermal efficiency of 53%. Specifically, the key equipment improvements included a three-stage H2SO4 decomposition reactor and an HI decomposition reactor with heat recovery, resolving issues of severe corrosion when H2SO4 boils and reducing heat loss. During 24 h continuous operation in January 2025, the system achieved a peak hydrogen production rate of 1536 L/h and a long-term stable rate of approximately 300 L/h, with hydrogen purity reaching up to 98.75%. This study validates the potential for the scaling up of iodine–sulfur cycle hydrogen production technology, providing engineering insights for efficient and clean hydrogen energy production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements and Innovations in Hydrogen Energy)
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24 pages, 33141 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Hydrogen Bubble Growth on a Platinum Microelectrode Under Varying Electrical Potential
by Klara Arhar, Matic Može, Matevž Zupančič and Iztok Golobič
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4107; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084107 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 614
Abstract
Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is a zero-emission fuel essential for the global transition to sustainable energy systems. Optimizing hydrogen production requires a detailed understanding of bubble dynamics at the cathode, which involves three key stages: nucleation, growth, and detachment. [...] Read more.
Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is a zero-emission fuel essential for the global transition to sustainable energy systems. Optimizing hydrogen production requires a detailed understanding of bubble dynamics at the cathode, which involves three key stages: nucleation, growth, and detachment. In this study, hydrogen bubble growth was investigated in a custom-built electrolysis cell with microelectrodes, combining high-speed imaging and electrochemical measurements with a potentiostat. The results reveal distinct growth regimes governed by a potential-dependent time exponent, captured through a power law. Within the evaluated range of potentials, three regions with different bubble departure behaviors were identified: (i) at low potentials (2.0–2.6 V), bubbles depart without coalescing, (ii) in the transitional region (2.6–3.2 V), bubbles coalesce to varying degrees before detachment, and (iii) at high potentials (≥3.2 V), large, coalesced bubbles dominate. These findings highlight the significant impact of coalescence on bubble growth and departure behavior, affecting electrode coverage with gas and, consequently, electrolysis efficiency. Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving hydrogen evolution efficiency by mitigating bubble-induced mass transport limitations. The findings contribute to advancing electrolysis performance, offering insights into optimizing operating conditions for enhanced hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements and Innovations in Hydrogen Energy)
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Review

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43 pages, 15235 KiB  
Review
The Present and Future of Production of Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, and Green E-Fuels for the Decarbonization of the Planet from the Magallanes Region, Chile
by Carlos Cacciuttolo, Ariana Huertas, Bryan Montoya and Deyvis Cano
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6228; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116228 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 691
Abstract
The Magallanes region, in southern Chile, is positioned as a strategic hub for the production of green hydrogen (GH2), green ammonia, and synthetic fuels, thanks to its exceptional wind potential and commitment to sustainability. This article analyzes the opportunities and challenges of these [...] Read more.
The Magallanes region, in southern Chile, is positioned as a strategic hub for the production of green hydrogen (GH2), green ammonia, and synthetic fuels, thanks to its exceptional wind potential and commitment to sustainability. This article analyzes the opportunities and challenges of these energy vectors in the context of global decarbonization, highlighting the key role of the Magallanes region in the energy transition. Green hydrogen production, through wind-powered electrolysis, takes advantage of the region’s constant, high-speed winds, enabling competitive, low-emission generation. In turn, green ammonia, derived from GH2, emerges as a sustainable alternative for the agricultural industry and maritime transport, while synthetic fuels (e-fuels) offer a solution for sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation. The sustainability approach addresses not only emissions reduction but also the responsible use of water resources, the protection of biodiversity, and integration with local communities. The article presents the following structure: (i) introduction, (ii) wind resource potential, (iii) water resource potential, (iv) different forms of hydrogen and its derivatives production (green hydrogen, green ammonia, and synthetic fuels), (v) pilot-scale demonstration plant for Haru Oni GH2 production, (vi) future industrial-scale GH2 production projects, (vii) discussion, and (viii) conclusions. In addition, the article discusses public policies, economic incentives, and international collaborations that promote these projects, positioning Magallanes as a clean energy export hub. Finally, the article concludes that the region can lead the production of green fuels, contributing to global energy security and the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, advances in infrastructure, regulation, and social acceptance are required to guarantee a balanced development between technological innovation and environmental conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements and Innovations in Hydrogen Energy)
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31 pages, 3721 KiB  
Review
Innovative Strategies for Combining Solar and Wind Energy with Green Hydrogen Systems
by Somtochukwu Godfrey Nnabuife, Kwamena Ato Quainoo, Abdulhammed K. Hamzat, Caleb Kwasi Darko and Cindy Konadu Agyemang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9771; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219771 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6672
Abstract
The integration of wind and solar energy with green hydrogen technologies represents an innovative approach toward achieving sustainable energy solutions. This review examines state-of-the-art strategies for synthesizing renewable energy sources, aimed at improving the efficiency of hydrogen (H2) generation, storage, and [...] Read more.
The integration of wind and solar energy with green hydrogen technologies represents an innovative approach toward achieving sustainable energy solutions. This review examines state-of-the-art strategies for synthesizing renewable energy sources, aimed at improving the efficiency of hydrogen (H2) generation, storage, and utilization. The complementary characteristics of solar and wind energy, where solar power typically peaks during daylight hours while wind energy becomes more accessible at night or during overcast conditions, facilitate more reliable and stable hydrogen production. Quantitatively, hybrid systems can realize a reduction in the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) ranging from EUR 3.5 to EUR 8.9 per kilogram, thereby maximizing the use of renewable resources but also minimizing the overall H2 production and infrastructure costs. Furthermore, advancements such as enhanced electrolysis technologies, with overall efficiencies rising from 6% in 2008 to over 20% in the near future, illustrate significant progress in this domain. The review also addresses operational challenges, including intermittency and scalability, and introduces system topologies that enhance both efficiency and performance. However, it is essential to consider these challenges carefully, because they can significantly impact the overall effectiveness of hydrogen production systems. By providing a comprehensive assessment of these hybrid systems (which are gaining traction), this study highlights their potential to address the increasing global energy demands. However, it also aims to support the transition toward a carbon-neutral future. This potential is significant, because it aligns with both environmental goals and energy requirements. Although challenges remain, the promise of these systems is evident. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements and Innovations in Hydrogen Energy)
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