Material Innovations and System Challenges in Hydrogen Storage: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT As a critical enabler for the global transition to low‐carbon energy, hydrogen storage technologies are undergoing rapid innovation and diversification. This review systematically examines the four dominant hydrogen storage technologies, i.e., high‐pressure gaseous, cryogenic liquid, solid‐state (AB 5 , AB 2 , superlattices, magnesium‐based materials, metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) and activated carbon) and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) hydrogen storage technologies, highlighting their research advances in storage density, cost, energy consumption, hydrogen storage/release mechanisms, system integration and applications. Whilst high‐pressure gaseous hydrogen storage remains the most mature technology, breakthroughs in high‐capacity storage materials such as nanostructured magnesium‐based materials, MOFs, and novel LOHCs catalysts, continuing to enhance storage capacity, kinetic and thermodynamic performances, and cycling stability. Looking ahead, the field is evolving toward machine learning‐based intelligent material design and the development of hybrid energy systems integrating energy storage with flexible thermal/electrical loads. Establishing a diversified portfolio of hydrogen storage technologies, tailored for specific applications ranging from transportation to grid balancing, will effectively drive the large‐scale adoption of hydrogen energy.