Research progress on hydrogen gas explosion suppression materials and their suppression mechanisms

Hydrogen is crucial in the global shift towards clean energy and is gaining significance in the energy industry, while its high flammability and explosive hazard make its safety a research hotspot. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate and assess the safety of hydrogen as it progresses toward commercialization in the energy sector. This article reviews the latest advancements in hydrogen explosion suppression conducted by researchers around the world, aiming at offering a scientific foundation and technical approach to efficiently manage and reduce the damaging impacts of hydrogen explosion incidents. The article focuses on the study of hydrogen explosion suppression materials and their suppression mechanisms, so as to provide scientific understanding and technical support for the safe application of hydrogen. Firstly, it systematically introduces the research progress in hydrogen explosion suppression by discussing four significant categories, i.e., gas, liquid, solid, and multiphase composite explosion suppression materials. By comparing and analyzing the effects, key performance parameters, and the variation rules of these materials, the current research status and effectiveness of various explosion suppression materials are sorted out, helping to deepen the understanding of the explosion suppression effects of these materials. Secondly, focusing on the suppression mechanism, the research delves into the vital role of explosion suppression materials in suppressing hydrogen explosions. Starting from three dimensions, i.e., physical suppression, chemical suppression, and physicochemical comprehensive suppression, it elucidates the mechanisms of action of explosion suppression materials in the suppression process, contributing to a deeper understanding of the role of explosion suppression materials in suppressing or mitigating hydrogen explosions. Finally, the article looks forward to the future development directions of hydrogen explosion suppression materials, especially emphasizing the importance of further studies on the high-efficiency explosion suppression materials and the challenges faced in practical applications. This review is aimed to provide scientific reference and inspiration for the research, development, and application of new hydrogen explosion suppression materials. © 2024 Explosion and Shock Waves. All rights reserved.