Research of solid-state hydrogen storage materials for long range and high-safety robots

Robots are widely used in industrial and energy inspection, emergency rescue, and similar applications. However, traditional lithium-ion battery-powered robots suffer from limitations such as short range, significant performance degradation at low temperatures, prolonged refueling times, and safety concerns, necessitating the development of new power sources with extended endurance and enhanced safety. Building on the applicant's prior research, this project aims to validate the innovative concept of solid-state hydrogen storage materials as viable power solutions for long-range, high-safety robots, paving the way for industrial deployment. The objectives include: 1) Developing a high hydrogen storage capacity TiVFe alloy to address industry-wide challenges of high costs and low hydrogen storage density in conventional materials; 2) Creating a modular hydrogen power system tailored for long-range robots; and 3) Engineering a crystalline structure with superior hydrogen storage capacity. Through proof-of-concept demonstrations, the project seeks to demonstrate that solid-state hydrogen storage materials can enable hydrogen-powered robots with a range 4–6 times longer than lithium-ion batteries, a degradation rate of ≤10% at −20°C, and rapid hydrogen refueling within 5 minutes—filling a critical market gap in hydrogen-powered systems for long-range, high-safety robots. Once implemented in Taizhou, this technology will be applicable to industrial inspections of flammable and explosive petrochemical/natural gas facilities and emergency response to chemical accidents, fostering the integrated development of hydrogen energy and intelligent robotics as strategic emerging industries while advancing Taizhou's high-end equipment manufacturing and renewable energy sectors. This project aligns with China's dual carbon goals and the robotics industry development plan, demonstrating significant technological innovation value and socioeconomic benefits.

Fu Yabo, is a Doctor, Professor at Provincial Key Laboratory of Island Green Energy and New Materials / School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University. The primary research focuses encompass advanced alloys and vacuum electromagnetic/thermal field melting furnaces. Specifically, the research includes: The development of short-process preparation methods for solid-state hydrogen storage alloys such as TiMn(VFe), LaNi5, and high-entropy alloy-based hydrogen storage materials. Copper alloys and high-strength, high-conductivity alloys for the electronics sector. High-performance titanium and aluminum alloys. Simulation studies. Development and application of vacuum electromagnetic/thermal field melting furnaces in enterprises for the preparation of semiconductor materials such as Ca-based and Si-based compounds, solid-state hydrogen storage alloys like TiMn2, LaNi5, Li-Mg-N-H, and V60, medium and high-entropy alloys, semi-solid processing technologies, and large-scale amorphous materials using water-cooled copper crucibles.