Researchers at RIKEN, a renowned Japanese science institute, have developed a compound engineered to shuttle ammonia together with hydrogen. The findings, detailed in a peer-reviewed publication, illuminate a fresh approach to storing and transporting hydrogen—the energy carrier of the future—by leveraging ammonia as a carrier molecule. This strategy aligns with ongoing global efforts to make hydrogen more practical for everyday use in energy systems across North America and beyond.
Hydrogen offers immense potential as a clean energy source, yet its practical deployment faces two stubborn hurdles: safe storage and efficient transport. Hydrogen gas is highly flammable and occupies a large volume, which makes containment costly and logistically challenging. Ammonia, NH3, presents a compelling alternative because it can be stored more compactly and transported using existing infrastructure, at least in part. By dissolving or attaching hydrogen within a medium like ammonia, the energy medium becomes easier to handle, maintaining a stable supply chain for fuel cells, power plants, and other applications. The concept has gained traction as part of broader decarbonization strategies in North America and Canada, where energy demand and safety standards push for robust, scalable solutions.
The researchers examined a perovskite known as EAPbI3, whose crystalline framework follows the ABX3 formula with a slightly distorted cubic geometry. Perovskites are celebrated for their flexible lattice, which supports the inclusion of various positively charged ions (cations). This adaptability is what enables scientists to tailor materials toward targeted properties, such as enhanced storage capacity, tunable release temperatures, and improved stability under operational conditions. In this study, the team explored how the perovskite lattice can host ammonia in a way that facilitates reversible uptake and release, potentially lowering the energy required for storage and retrieval operations. This is particularly relevant for U.S. and Canadian energy systems seeking cost-effective, scalable solutions to hydrogen logistics problems.
The key insight from the investigation is that the perovskite structure can interact with ammonia to form a storage phase that releases the captured ammonia at comparatively modest temperatures. The one-dimensional columnar arrangement within the lattice appears to provide channels that enable ammonia to embed itself into the material. When conditions shift, ammonia can be liberated in a controlled manner, potentially simplifying purification steps and reducing processing losses. The practical upshot is a storage pathway that could be cheaper than conventional liquefaction methods, with implications for supply chain resilience, storage density, and overall system economics. While the exact performance will depend on device configuration and operating environment, the findings point to a path where ammonia-based carriers could complement or even substitute traditional liquefied hydrogen storage in certain contexts, particularly where existing infrastructure supports such chemistry. These advantages are being watched by policymakers, industry players, and researchers aiming to accelerate the transition to low-emission energy networks across the United States and Canada.
Historical notes indicate that researchers in Europe previously advanced a catalyst-like substance showing water-splitting capabilities, effectively generating oxygen and hydrogen through a natural-seeming process. Such work underscores a long-running pursuit to emulate plant-like pathways for clean energy production, where light or heat drives chemical reactions that yield usable fuels. The contemporary emphasis, however, is on bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and real-world application, ensuring that breakthroughs can be scaled, manufactured reliably, and integrated with existing energy systems. This ongoing dialogue among international teams—spanning Europe, Asia, and North America—shapes the trajectory of hydrogen storage research and helps identify practical routes to reduce emissions while meeting energy demand. In Canada and the United States, these developments are part of a broader strategy to diversify energy portfolios, strengthen domestic capabilities, and foster collaborations that accelerate the deployment of safe, affordable storage solutions for ammonia and hydrogen carriers alike. A forward-looking view recognizes that while no single technology will solve all challenges, a suite of approaches, including engineered perovskites, could collectively lower costs, improve safety, and expand the feasibility of a hydrogen economy for North American consumers and industries.