Researchers discover safe, easy, and affordable way to store and retrieve hydrogen

[Bernardo de La Paz]

6. Hydrogen combustibility is different, both good and bad

H2 gas rises and doesn't creep along the ground like gasoline vapors. Good.

Hydrogen, especially pressurized, attacks (eats into) metal tubing, piping, fittings, valves and tanks. Unlike oil and gas. Not good.

Hydrogen possesses the NFPA 704's highest rating of 4 on the flammability scale because it is flammable when mixed even in small amounts with ordinary air; ignition can occur at a volumetric ratio of hydrogen to air as low as 4% due to the oxygen in the air and the simplicity and chemical properties of the reaction. However, hydrogen has no rating for innate hazard for reactivity or toxicity. The storage and use of hydrogen poses unique challenges due to its ease of leaking as a gaseous fuel, low-energy ignition, wide range of combustible fuel-air mixtures, buoyancy, and its ability to embrittle metals that must be accounted for to ensure safe operation.[1]