Hydrogen is heralded as the clean fuel of the future, with the potential to revolutionize industries and drive the global transition toward sustainable energy. However, the challenge of safely and efficiently storing hydrogen has long been a bottleneck in its widespread adoption. Addressing this critical issue is Associate Prof. Ir. Dr. Mahidzal Bin Dahari from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya. Dr. Mahidzal holds a PhD in Automotive Engineering from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Fluid) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UTM. A registered Professional Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia, Dr. Mahidzal has spent over two decades advancing research in renewable energy and automotive engineering. His pioneering work on solid-state hydrogen storage systems utilising metal hydride technology sets a new benchmark for compact, safe, and efficient energy solutions.
Dr. Mahidzal’s journey into hydrogen storage began during his doctoral research on Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV). “The high pressure, electricity demands, and massive storage tanks required for NGV refuelling stations sparked a vision for a safer, smaller, and more efficient gas storage alternative,” he recalls. Over two decades of dedication culminated in the development of solid-state hydrogen storage systems that utilise metal hydrides. These systems work like a sponge, where metals absorb hydrogen at a molecular level, storing it safely and releasing it when needed. Unlike conventional hydrogen storage methods that rely on high-pressure gas tanks or cryogenic liquid systems, metal hydride technology operates at low pressures (10-30 bar) and moderate temperatures, significantly reducing safety risks and infrastructure costs.
Hydrogen’s low density has historically been a storage challenge, requiring expensive and energy-intensive systems to compress or liquefy it. Dr. Mahidzal’s research directly addresses this issue, ensuring hydrogen can be safely transported and stored without compromising energy efficiency or scalability. The implications are vast. Metal hydride technology is poised to revolutionise fuel cell applications, renewable energy storage, and industrial hydrogen use. By facilitating low-pressure operation and compact design, the technology aligns with global sustainability goals and decarbonisation efforts.
Metal hydrides such as AB₂ (TiMn₂-based alloys) and AB₅ (LaNi₅) stand out for their remarkable ability to absorb and release hydrogen efficiently. These alloys form a stable lattice structure that securely holds hydrogen atoms, enabling storage capacities of 50-60 grams per litre—three times higher than traditional compressed gas tanks.
“By storing hydrogen in a compact and solid form, we eliminate the need for bulky, reinforced tanks, making our systems ideal for hydrogen-powered vehicles, portable devices, and renewable energy backups,” explains Dr. Mahidzal.
Every innovation comes with its share of challenges, and Dr. Mahidzal’s research is no exception. Identifying materials that operate effectively at moderate temperatures and optimising hydrogen absorption rates required extensive experimentation.
“We resolved these challenges through continuous testing and refining the design to enhance performance,” says Dr. Mahidzal.
Despite these obstacles, the project has achieved remarkable milestones, including a patented storage technology and a licensing agreement with ENERGISE SDN BHD. Dr. Mahidzal has also launched MDZTECH SDN BHD, a Universiti Malaya start-up, to spearhead the commercialisation of his research.
Scaling up the technology and expanding its industrial applications are the next steps for Dr. Mahidzal’s team.
“We’re seeking investment opportunities and collaborations to accelerate commercialisation and refine the product,” he shares.
With ongoing advancements, the team envisions a future where metal hydride systems become the standard for hydrogen storage across industries.
Dr. Mahidzal’s contributions extend beyond his technical innovations. He emphasises the importance of collaboration between industries, policymakers, and researchers to unlock hydrogen’s full potential.
“Metal hydride technologies offer a sustainable, reliable solution for hydrogen storage. Together, we can drive the green energy sector forward and create a cleaner, more sustainable future,” he concludes.
Dr. Mahidzal extends his gratitude to the University of Malaya and the Ministry of Education for their support through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). He also acknowledges the efforts of his PhD student, whose dedication was integral to the project’s success.
Researcher featured:
Associate Prof. Ir. Dr. Mahidzal Bin Dahari
Department of Electrical EngineeringFaculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya
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Author:
Ms. Puungkodi Paramasivam
Puungkodi Paramasivam is a fast-track PhD candidate at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, who finds solace and purpose in writing amidst the challenges of academic research. This is her second contribution to the UM Research Bulletin, a platform she values for showcasing groundbreaking work while allowing her to channel her creativity. Writing, she says, serves as a positive distraction from the demands of her PhD journey, enabling her to engage meaningfully with diverse fields of study. Proud to be an author under the UM Research Bulletin, Puungkodi continues to highlight innovative research and inspire others with her thoughtful narratives.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, Universiti Malaya
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