CIDETEC Surface Engineering contributes to a safer hydrogen infrastructure through the ONTZHi‑II project

GD‑OES enables in‑depth analysis of hydrogen behaviour and the study of solutions to prevent material embrittlement

Hydrogen is expected to play a fundamental role in the transition towards a more sustainable energy model. However, its large‑scale deployment presents significant technological challenges, among which hydrogen embrittlement stands out as a phenomenon that compromises the reliability and service life of metallic materials used in storage and transport systems. Addressing this challenge is essential if hydrogen is to become a safe energy option from both a social and industrial perspective.

In this context, CIDETEC Surface Engineering contributes knowledge and solutions from the field of surface engineering through the ONTZHi‑II project, which aims to advance key technologies for the storage, transport and distribution of hydrogen. Within the project, CIDETEC Surface Engineering focuses on the development of barrier coatings capable of limiting the interaction of hydrogen with the metallic substrates to which they are applied. These coatings represent a promising route to protecting critical metallic materials and reducing the risks associated with prolonged exposure to hydrogen‑rich environments.

Beyond the design of the barrier coating itself, one of the key aspects of the work carried out at CIDETEC lies in understanding the mechanisms governing hydrogen behaviour in materials. To this end, the centre employs advanced characterisation techniques, among which glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD‑OES) stands out. This is a particularly valuable tool for obtaining elemental depth profiles, including hydrogen profiles, an element that is difficult to detect using many other methods or techniques.

Within the framework of the ONTZHi‑II project, the coatings developed at CIDETEC Surface Engineering are subjected to controlled hydrogen uptake conditions through electrochemical charging. Subsequently, the use of the GD‑OES technique makes it possible to study how hydrogen is distributed from the surface into the interior of the material, providing key information on the effectiveness of the coating and its ability to act as a barrier against the diffusion of this element.

This advanced characterisation, combined with hydrogen permeation testing using the Devanathan–Stachurski method, enables CIDETEC Surface Engineering to generate knowledge regarding the way hydrogen interacts with different types of coatings. During the second year of the project, this strategy is proving decisive in guiding the development of more efficient and robust barrier coatings.