A Method for Designing Microstructure with Increased Resistance to Hydrogen Attack

Invention Reference Number

202405841

Designing Microstructure with Increased Resistance to Hydrogen Attack

Hydrogen embrittlement is a critical issue for metals and alloys used in hydrogen-rich environments, where grain boundary segregation of hydrogen leads to premature failure. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a scalable method to design microstructures with significantly reduced susceptibility to hydrogen attack. This approach improves durability and performance of structural components exposed to hydrogen, supporting the advancement of hydrogen storage, transport, and energy applications.

Description

Hydrogen segregation at grain boundaries weakens materials commonly used in hydrogen storage vessels, compressors, and energy systems. Conventional techniques to reduce this vulnerability are limited by high costs, long lead times, and manufacturing complexity, making them unsuitable for widespread industrial adoption. ORNL has developed an innovative process that enables the creation of microstructures with a substantially lower fraction of vulnerable grain boundaries. This advancement builds upon principles of additive manufacturing and controlled solidification to achieve a scalable, efficient solution for complex and large-scale components. The resulting materials demonstrate increased resistance to hydrogen attack compared to materials with vulnerable grain boundaries. By reducing reliance on multi-step processing routes and enabling faster production, this technology supports the broader adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy resource.