A Comprehensive Review on the Compatability of Polymeric Materials for Hydrogen Transportation and Storage

This review evaluates the current state of the art on polymeric materials for hydrogen transportation and storage, highlighting the importance of developing a sustainable hydrogen infrastructure worldwide. It analyses different polymeric materials used for hydrogen transportation and storage applications, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimides (PI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). These materials are assessed using key characteristics such as hydrogen permeability, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. The review finds that while PEEK and polyimides exhibit the highest thermal stability (up to 400 °C) and pressure resistance (300–400 bar), HDPE remains the most cost-effective option for low-pressure applications. PTFE and FEP offer the lowest hydrogen permeability (<0.01 cm³ mm/m²·day·bar), making them ideal for sealing and lining in hydrogen storage systems. Furthermore, key research gaps are identified, and suggestions for future research and development directions are outlined. This comprehensive review is a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working towards sustainable hydrogen infrastructure development.