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Hydrogen
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Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen
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Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen

A Special Issue of Hydrogen (ISSN 2673-4141).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2027 | Viewed by 6580

Editors

Dr. Chiara Milanese

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physical Chemistry Section & C.S.G.I., Pavia Hydrogen Lab, Chemistry Department, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
Interests: solid-state hydrogen storage and energy storage; C-based materials; circular economy; resource recovery; hydrogen production; innovative nanomaterials and nanoparticles; physicochemical characterization in the solid state; preparation of innovative adsorbent materials for emerging pollutants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rocio Maceíras Castro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Defense University Center at the Spanish Naval Academy, University of Vigo, 36920 Marín, Spain
Interests: renewable energies; biofuels; capture of carbon dioxide; remediation and transesterification; hydrogen

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hydrogen energy and economy have become key points in the world energy scenario, and an increasing number of scientists devoted to fundamental and applicative research in the field of hydrogen production and storage. Together with the optimization of already established materials by alloying and the functionalization with catalysts and destabilizing agents, the research is very active in the preparation of innovative systems with improved efficiency in the green production of hydrogen or in its safe storage. Stationary and on-board applications for the solid-state systems are equally important in affirming the role of hydrogen as a chemical energy storage medium and an energy vector. Circular economy is becoming increasingly important in the recovery of elements and compounds with great added values in this frame, such as carbon-based materials from agricultural and food wastes or metals and metallic alloys from industrial processes.

The strategic role of women in these research fields is now proven, and the number of publications involving women in key roles is increasing considerably.

With this in mind, the current Special Issue aims to highlight women’s contributions in ‘hydrogen production and storage’ and to facilitate collaboration opportunities at an interdisciplinary, global level. This Special Issue thus aims to provide a comprehensive collection of works by eminent women scientists all from around the world on the recent advances and developments in the hydrogen economy.

Research articles and review papers are welcome on topics including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Green (electrochemical, photochemical) hydrogen production;
  • Solid-state hydrogen storage in porous materials;
  • Solid-state hydrogen storage in metal alloys and high entropy alloys;
  • Practical implementation of innovative hydrogen storage technologies.

We welcome submissions from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Dr. Chiara Milanese
Dr. Rocio Maceíras Castro
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Hydrogen is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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.

Women’s Special Issue Series

This Special Issue is part of Hydrogen's Women’s Special Issue Series, hosted by women editors for women researchers. The Series advocates the advancement of women in science. We invite contributions to the Special Issue whose lead authors identify as women. The submission of articles with all-women authorship is especially encouraged. However, we do welcome articles from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Keywords

  • hydrogen production
  • solid- state hydrogen storage
  • carbon-based materials
  • high- entropy alloys for energy storage
  • circular economy
  • metallic hydrides
  • porous materials

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 18279 KB  
Article
Effect of Hydrogen on Crack Initiation and Propagation in Pearlitic Structures: A Molecular Dynamics Study
by Ivaylo H. Katzarov
Hydrogen 2026, 7(2), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen7020081 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 489
Abstract
The pearlitic microstructure, comprising alternating lamellae of ferrite and cementite, provides a favorable combination of strength, toughness, and wear resistance. Consequently, pearlitic steels have been widely utilized in pipeline systems due to their advantageous mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. These characteristics also render pearlitic [...] Read more.
The pearlitic microstructure, comprising alternating lamellae of ferrite and cementite, provides a favorable combination of strength, toughness, and wear resistance. Consequently, pearlitic steels have been widely utilized in pipeline systems due to their advantageous mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. These characteristics also render pearlitic steel pipelines promising candidates for hydrogen transport infrastructure, particularly in the context of repurposing existing natural gas networks. However, interactions between hydrogen and the pearlitic microstructure raise significant concerns regarding hydrogen embrittlement, a phenomenon that can substantially degrade mechanical performance and compromise long-term structural integrity. Experimental observations indicate that pearlitic microstructures are particularly susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, largely due to the high density of ferrite–cementite interfaces, which act as effective hydrogen trapping sites. These detrimental effects motivate the present study, which aims to develop a deeper understanding of nanoscale mechanisms of hydrogen-assisted crack initiation and propagation in pearlitic microstructures. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to investigate the initiation and propagation of hydrogen-affected cracks in pearlitic microstructures, considering lamellar orientations both parallel and perpendicular to the applied tensile loading direction. The analysis focuses on the synergistic interaction between hydrogen-enhanced decohesion (HEDE), which promotes interfacial separation due to hydrogen segregation, and hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity (HELP). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen)
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26 pages, 1404 KB  
Article
Analysis of Hydrogen Storage Methods for Decarbonizing Maritime Transport: A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Tool
by Rocio Maceiras, Victor Alfonsin, Miguel A. Alvarez-Feijoo, Jorge Feijoo and Adrian Lopez-Granados
Hydrogen 2026, 7(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen7020061 - 2 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 746
Abstract
Decarbonizing maritime transport requires hydrogen storage technologies that are efficient, safe, and compatible with fuel cell systems. This study evaluates three hydrogen storage technologies (compressed hydrogen (CH2), liquid hydrogen (LH2), and metal hydrides (MH)) based on five key criteria: [...] Read more.
Decarbonizing maritime transport requires hydrogen storage technologies that are efficient, safe, and compatible with fuel cell systems. This study evaluates three hydrogen storage technologies (compressed hydrogen (CH2), liquid hydrogen (LH2), and metal hydrides (MH)) based on five key criteria: safety, autonomy, environmental impact, cost, and implementation feasibility. Applying two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), the alternatives are systematically ranked to identify the most suitable option. Both methods consistently highlight compressed hydrogen as the most viable storage solution, offering a good balance of safety, infrastructure maturity, and economic performance. Liquid hydrogen, despite its superior autonomy, is limited by high energy and infrastructure costs. Metal hydrides, although safer and more compact in terms of volumetric density, are limited by low gravimetric efficiency at the system level due to the additional weight of the storage material and associated components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen)
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17 pages, 2900 KB  
Article
A Simple Study of Hydrogen Production from Recycled Aluminum Microparticles in Alkaline Media
by Sergio Martínez-Vargas, José-Enrique Flores-Chan, Humberto-Julián Mandujano-Ramírez, Salatiel Pérez-Montejo, Damián Calan-Canche and Cristobal Patino-Carachure
Hydrogen 2026, 7(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen7020055 - 22 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1223
Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) was produced from recycled aluminum microparticles (180–250, 300–425, and 425–500 μm) via alkaline hydrolysis using a 1.0 M NaOH solution to enhance oxide layer removal and aluminum dissolution. Maximum hydrogen flow rates of approximately 13, 15, and 19 mL·min [...] Read more.
Hydrogen (H2) was produced from recycled aluminum microparticles (180–250, 300–425, and 425–500 μm) via alkaline hydrolysis using a 1.0 M NaOH solution to enhance oxide layer removal and aluminum dissolution. Maximum hydrogen flow rates of approximately 13, 15, and 19 mL·min−1 were obtained, confirming that smaller particle sizes promote faster reaction rates due to increased specific surface area. The hydrogen evolution exhibited two-stage kinetic behavior: an initial stage characterized by rapid aluminum dissolution and increasing H2 production, followed by a gradual decline associated with the formation of a passivating Al(OH)3 layer. Despite the higher reaction rates observed for smaller particles, the maximum cumulative hydrogen production was obtained for the intermediate particle size (363 µm, 132 mL), compared to 106 mL and 102 mL for 215 µm and 463 µm, respectively, indicating a trade-off between surface area and passivation effects. Kinetic analysis based on the shrinking core model showed excellent agreement (R2 = 99.94–99.97%), with rate constants of 0.137, 0.064, and 0.050 min−1. The relationship k ∝ d−n (n ≈ 1.4) suggests a mixed kinetic regime involving both surface reaction and diffusion through the Al(OH)3 layer. These findings indicate that hydrogen generation can be modulated by particle size; however, the relatively low flow rates and yields limit its immediate practical applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen)
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11 pages, 678 KB  
Article
Effect of Inhalation of Hydrogen Gas on Postoperative Recovery After Hepatectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Hisashi Kosaka, Khanh Van Nguyen, Kosuke Matsui, Hideyuki Matsushima, Takumi Miyauchi, Gozo Kiguchi, Hidekazu Yamamoto, Tung Thanh Lai, Hoang Hai Duong, Keita Mori, Hideki Ishikawa and Masaki Kaibori
Hydrogen 2025, 6(4), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen6040124 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 2340
Abstract
Hydrogen has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may attenuate perioperative stress responses. However, its clinical impact on postoperative recovery remains unclear. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated whether perioperative hydrogen inhalation improves early recovery after hepatectomy. Sixty-eight patients undergoing elective hepatectomy were randomized [...] Read more.
Hydrogen has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may attenuate perioperative stress responses. However, its clinical impact on postoperative recovery remains unclear. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated whether perioperative hydrogen inhalation improves early recovery after hepatectomy. Sixty-eight patients undergoing elective hepatectomy were randomized (1:1) to receive 5% hydrogen gas or placebo air via nasal cannula from postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD7. The primary endpoint was the total Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) score on POD3, analyzed at α = 0.2 with 80% confidence intervals in accordance with the pre-specified statistical analysis plan. Secondary and exploratory outcomes, analyzed at α = 0.05, included postoperative liver function, oxidative stress markers, and QoR-40 subdomain scores. Analyses were performed in the modified intention-to-treat population using the Mann–Whitney U test. Sixty-four patients (hydrogen, n = 31; placebo, n = 33) were analyzed. At POD3, the median QoR-40 score was 192.0 (184.0–198.0) vs. 163.0 (140.0–190.0) (p < 0.001), indicating significantly better early recovery in the hydrogen group. As supportive findings, prothrombin activity was higher with hydrogen (85.0% vs. 76.2%, p = 0.005), and QoR-40 subdomain analysis showed significantly higher emotions and physical independence scores, whereas comfort, pain, and patient support domains showed no difference. No other between-group differences were observed in biochemical parameters or urinary 8-OHdG levels. Perioperative hydrogen inhalation significantly improved early postoperative recovery after hepatectomy, primarily through psychophysical domains of well-being. These findings suggest that hydrogen may selectively enhance emotional stability and functional independence during the early recovery phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen)
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Review

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39 pages, 1975 KB  
Review
Heat Pumps in Green Hydrogen Production Systems: A Technical Review
by Ivan Dimchev, Nevena M. Mileva and Penka Zlateva
Hydrogen 2026, 7(3), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen7030129 - 2 Sep 2026
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Green hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a key pathway to the decarbonization of future energy systems. However, part of the electrical input is transformed into waste heat. In this study, alkaline, proton-exchange membrane, anion-exchange membrane, and solid oxide electrolysis systems are compared [...] Read more.
Green hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a key pathway to the decarbonization of future energy systems. However, part of the electrical input is transformed into waste heat. In this study, alkaline, proton-exchange membrane, anion-exchange membrane, and solid oxide electrolysis systems are compared in terms of operating temperature, heat generation, heat transfer medium, and integration constraints. Reported COP values for commercial high-temperature vapour-compression heat pumps range from 2.4 to 5.8, depending on operating conditions. The heat-pump technologies reviewed include vapour-compression systems with single-stage, multistage, cascade, and transcritical configurations, together with absorption and adsorption systems, with a focus on suitable working fluids and practical limitations. The review distinguishes between direct heat recovery and heat recovery assisted by heat pumps, and it identifies two main areas of application: external supply for district heating, industrial consumers, and energy communities; and internal support for feedwater preheating, water cycle integration, and steam generation. A selection framework is proposed in which source- and sink-temperature compatibility determines thermodynamic feasibility, COP characterizes heat-pump performance, and LCoH supports techno-economic comparison. Direct heat recovery should be preferred when temperatures are compatible, while heat pumps can operate as enabling technologies when temperature upgrading is required and system-level economic and environmental performance remains advantageous. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen)
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13 pages, 4354 KB  
Review
Clinical Significance of Breath Hydrogen as an External Variable of the Redox Environment
by Teruo Kiyama
Hydrogen 2026, 7(3), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen7030128 - 1 Sep 2026
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Hydrogen (H2) is a common product of carbohydrate fermentation by the intestinal microbiota, transferred to the blood along the pressure gradient, and exhaled. As H2 is not produced or metabolized in human cells, alveolar H2 is distributed throughout the [...] Read more.
Hydrogen (H2) is a common product of carbohydrate fermentation by the intestinal microbiota, transferred to the blood along the pressure gradient, and exhaled. As H2 is not produced or metabolized in human cells, alveolar H2 is distributed throughout the human body, including cellular organelles such as mitochondria, owing to systemic circulation and gas exchange. The electron transport chain comprises a series of oxidation–reduction (redox) enzymes in the mitochondria of human cells that facilitate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. The catalytic activity of electron-transport enzymes is optimized at certain electrochemical potentials, as is hydrogen ion activity (pH). However, the human body is an aqueous system that must be electrically neutral. Membrane potentials exist between the interior and exterior of human cells because of the unequal distribution of ions across the membrane. The single-electrode potential can only be assessed relative to that of another electrode (i.e., a reference electrode). The electrochemical potentials relative to a standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) were measured; it was found that H2 partial pressure was a fundamental factor that affected the SHE, pH, and the reversible hydrogen electrode. The H2 partial pressure is not a unit used to characterize the human body; therefore, breath H2 is an external variable in the redox environment in the human body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Hydrogen)
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