Hydrogen was discovered as early as the 18th century. But this gas has garnered significant attention only recently. 

This clean energy carrier can help tackle an array of critical energy challenges. It can decarbonize several sectors, including heavy-duty transportation and steel production. This has led to an increased focus on the production of hydrogen. 

The global hydrogen market is predicted to grow from $242.7 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 7.8%. It’s anticipated to rise to $410.6 billion by 2030. 

However, as the demand for hydrogen rises, so do the myths and misconceptions. In this article, we’ll debunk some common myths and misconceptions surrounding hydrogen safety. 

Myth 1: Hydrogen is More Dangerous Than Other Fuels

The idea that hydrogen is more dangerous than other fuels is nothing but a myth. While this gas is certainly flammable, its explosive properties are overstated. Hydrogen is less explosive than other fossil fuels. 

Take, for instance, gasoline. The flammability range of gasoline is between 1.4% and 7.6%. It will ignite if 1.4 parts of gasoline are mixed with 100 parts of air. Hydrogen’s flammability range, however, is wide. It can ignite and burn with oxygen concentrations between 18.3% and 59%. 

Gasoline, thus, is more likely to explode in any given oxygen-rich environment. This makes gasoline more dangerous than hydrogen. 

A hydrogen-air mixture, however, explodes only when certain conditions are met. If there is an ignition source, such as open flames and sparks, hydrogen can explode. The gas can even ignite if it leaks and reaches a flammable concentration in a confined space. 

Industries must, however, use strict safety standards to mitigate the risk of accidents. Installing gas detection sensors and ventilation systems and using explosion-resistant equipment can help reduce the risk associated with handling hydrogen. 

Myth 2: Hydrogen is Difficult to Store

Another misbelief about hydrogen is that it’s difficult to store. The incredibly low density of hydrogen makes storing hydrogen challenging as well as expensive. 

Hydrogen storage technology, however, has come a long way in terms of efficiency and safety. Liquid hydrogen, compressed gas cylinders, and solid-state materials are common methods of storing hydrogen. 

Liquid hydrogen storage offers long-term stability when appropriately insulated. It is also highly energy-dense. Compressed gas cylinders, on the other hand, are thoroughly tested and are built to withstand high pressures, reducing the risk of rupture. 

These methods, however, have their drawbacks. One of the downsides of these technologies typically involving high pressures or cryogenic liquefaction, H2MOF explains, is that they are associated with high energy penalties, high energy consumption and high degree of safety concerns. 

Solid-state hydrogen storage materials are an interesting alternative. One of the most promising solid-state storage materials studied currently is metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). This technology stores hydrogen safely at low pressure and ambient temperature. 

MOFs are made of recurrent arrays of cage-like building blocks. These are empty cells known as “pores” or “voids.” These spaces are filled by hydrogen gas molecules, which affix to their surfaces through adsorption. MOFs can adsorb large volumes of hydrogen in small amounts—all thanks to their substantial surface areas. 

Myth 3: Hydrogen Leaks are Impossible to Detect 

It isn’t true that detecting hydrogen leaks is impossible. Detecting hydrogen—an odorless and colorless gas—is challenging but not impossible. Modern technology has addressed this issue effectively. 

High-sensitivity hydrogen gas sensors can identify leaks. Some advanced sensors can identify hydrogen leaks even at low concentrations, often well below dangerous levels. These sensors use various detection methods, such as catalytic and electrochemical technologies, to provide rapid and accurate readings. 

Hydrogen sensors are installed throughout fueling stations and storage facilities. If there is a hydrogen leak, the sensors immediately sound an alarm. 

Myth 4: Hydrogen Production Always Results in Harmful Byproducts 

Producing hydrogen doesn’t always result in harmful byproducts. This misconception basically stems from traditional methods like steam methane reforming. 

SMR, or steam methane reforming, is a chemical process through which hydrogen is produced on a large scale. Though economical, this process produces large amounts of carbon dioxide as byproducts. Green hydrogen production, however, generates no harmful byproducts. It’s produced through the process of electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. 

When powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power, this process is entirely clean and sustainable. The only byproduct of electrolysis is oxygen, which is harmless and beneficial in certain applications.

To sum things up, the myths and misconceptions surrounding hydrogen safety are largely based on outdated information. 

Hydrogen technologies, in reality, have advanced significantly. Those advancements have made them as safe as other conventional fuels. Dispelling these misconceptions, therefore, has become important. This will help us embrace hydrogen as a key player in our transition to a sustainable energy future.