Hydrogen Technologies at FORTH-IG: Advanced Storage Materials, Turquoise Hydrogen and Green Electrocatalysis

Oral Presentation Abstract: Hydrogen (H2) technologies require integrated solutions that address not only sustainable production, but also efficient storage, safe transport and responsible carbon management. This Research Highlight presents the emerging H2-related activities at the Institute of GeoEnergy of FORTH, structured around three complementary research directions. The first explores physical and chemical approaches to H2 storage and transport. These include storage in nanoporous materials, with emphasis on tailoring pore architecture, surface chemistry and packing density to improve gravimetric and volumetric storage performance, as well as the conversion of H2 into chemical energy carriers such as synthetic methane through CO2 methanation (4H2 + CO2 → CH4 + 2H2O) within the “power-to-gas” concept. The second investigates catalytic methane (CH4) cracking as a route for producing the so called “turquoise” H2 without direct carbon dioxide (CO2) formation, while simultaneously converting the carbon contained in the CH4 into value-added solid carbon (nano)structures (e.g., nanotubes). The third targets green H2 production through the design of novel, efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions in water-splitting electrolyzers. Across these activities, the central approach is to connect materials synthesis and advanced characterization with structure–property– performance relationships and application-oriented testing. By linking H2 storage and transport, H2 production with reduced CO₂ emissions, carbon valorization and water electrolysis, this research framework aims to establish a versatile platform for collaborations within FORTH and beyond, supporting the transition towards sustainable hydrogen technologies and advanced functional materials.