Since 1991, we have been manufacturing and selling nickel-metal hydride batteries with features such as wide temperature range, rechargeable and reusable, high recyclability(*1), and high safety(*2) for various applications such as security, automotive, medical devices, and home appliances.
The hydrogen storage alloy used in the negative electrode of nickel-metal hydride batteries has an overwhelmingly high-volume efficiency, with a volume for storing a certain amount of hydrogen that is approximately 1/2 that of liquid hydrogen and approximately 1/7 that of high-pressure hydrogen gas. In addition, it can store hydrogen stably at near room temperature and atmospheric pressure, making it an important product that is attracting attention as a key component in the coming hydrogen movement.
In 2024, BAOTOU FDK CO., LTD., which develops and manufactures hydrogen storage alloys, joined our group, and we have been developing hydrogen storage alloys for hydrogen storage tanks by leveraging our long-cultivated technological capabilities in the development of hydrogen storage alloys for batteries.
Features of the New Product, AB2 Type Hydrogen Storage Alloy
Currently, AB5 type hydrogen storage alloys, which are mainstream for battery applications, excel in terms of ease of activation(*3), fast reaction speed, and ease of recycling. However, they are not suitable for tank applications that require larger storage capacities due to their low hydrogen storage capacity per unit weight. Furthermore, hydrogen storage alloys other than the AB5 type that excel in hydrogen storage capacity have issues with usability, such as a significant decrease in hydrogen release pressure during use(*4) or a complicated activation process(*3).
In order to address these needs and issues, we have developed a high-capacity AB2 type hydrogen storage alloy that is easy to use for hydrogen storage tanks.
The newly developed AB2 type hydrogen storage alloy has the following features:
- volume efficiency of hydrogen storage capacity is approximately twice that of liquid hydrogen and approximately seven times that of high-pressure hydrogen gas;
- hydrogen storage capacity per unit weight improved by approximately 20% compared to the AB5 type;
- stable hydrogen release pressure;
- activation process designed for ease of use(*3); and,
- compatible with both low equilibrium pressure(*5) specifications below 1 MPa, which are not subject to Japan's High Pressure Gas Safety Act, and high equilibrium pressure(*5) specifications above 1 MPa for overseas markets.
Future Developments
Samples of this product will be available to select customers starting in July 2025, with mass production scheduled to begin in October 2025.
In addition, we will exhibit AB2 type hydrogen storage alloy at the 2025 China (Shanghai) International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Technology Exhibition (http://www.expoquanqiu.com), scheduled to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China, from Tuesday, July 29 to Thursday, July 31, 2025.
FDK, as a Smart Energy Partner, will continue to provide customers with proposals for the efficient use of electric energy and hydrogen energy in a safe and efficient manner by assembling advanced technologies.
Main Applications of Hydrogen Storage Alloys for Hydrogen Storage Tanks
The main applications of hydrogen storage alloys for hydrogen storage tanks are hydrogen storage tanks for hydrogen stations, fuel cells, small fuel cell mobility, etc.
| *1: | Nickel-metal hydride batteries contain a large amount of recyclable nickel, which can be reused in stainless steel materials after use. |
| *2: | The water-based electrolyte ensures high safety. |
| *3: | "Activation" refers to the process of efficiently absorbing and releasing hydrogen. Since hydrogen storage alloys do not absorb much hydrogen in their alloy state, they must undergo an activation process before use. |
| *4: | A decrease in hydrogen release pressure may cause a decrease in hydrogen release flow rate, which may result in an insufficient amount of hydrogen for stable operation of the equipment. |
| *5: | "Equilibrium pressure" refers to the hydrogen gas pressure at which hydrogen storage alloys reach equilibrium during the reaction of absorbing or releasing hydrogen. Hydrogen storage alloys absorb hydrogen into the alloy when the surrounding hydrogen gas pressure is higher than the hydrogen absorption pressure, and release hydrogen from the alloy when the pressure is lower than the hydrogen release pressure. |