A Review On Magnesium-Based Metal Hydride Reactors For Efficient Solid-State Hydrogen Storage: Materials, Thermal Management And Design Approaches

Authors: Rama Satya Sai, Dr. Rahul

Abstract: The global transition toward sustainable energy systems has accelerated interest in hydrogen as a clean and renewable energy carrier. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen technologies is strongly dependent on the development of efficient, safe, and economically viable hydrogen storage methods. Among the available storage techniques, solid-state hydrogen storage using metal hydrides has emerged as one of the most promising approaches because of its high volumetric hydrogen density, enhanced operational safety, and reversible hydrogen absorption–desorption characteristics. Magnesium-based metal hydrides (MgH₂) have attracted considerable attention owing to their high theoretical hydrogen storage capacity (7.6 wt.%), natural abundance, lightweight nature, and relatively low cost. Despite these advantages, practical implementation remains challenging due to slow hydrogen sorption kinetics, poor thermal conductivity, and high hydrogen desorption temperatures. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in magnesium-based metal hydride reactor technology. Various hydrogen storage techniques are compared, followed by an in-depth discussion of hydrogen absorption mechanisms, reactor configurations, heat transfer enhancement methods, catalyst-assisted performance improvement, and advanced reactor design strategies. Recent progress in thermal management techniques, including metallic fins, expanded graphite, metal foams, heat exchanger tubes, and nanostructured additives, is critically reviewed. Furthermore, current research gaps and future opportunities in reactor optimization, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence-based design optimization, and renewable energy integration are discussed. This review aims to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of magnesium-based hydrogen storage technology and its potential contribution to future hydrogen energy systems.