Fueling the Future: Physicists and Hydrogen Economy

Hydrogen is often claimed to be the ideal fuel for the future, due to its outstanding heating value and the lack of emission of climate-changing greenhouse gases upon its combustion. But hydrogen economy requires physics at its core to make sure we are not spending more energy in producing hydrogen than can be gained from its utilization. Solar energy combined with advanced materials is vital towards devising novel renewable energy processes that split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Modern physics explaining how electrons move, how light and matter interact, and how atoms diffuse and bond, is essential for designing the systems that produce, store, and use hydrogen. In this talk, we will review the use of physics to design novel and efficient materials for catalyzing the breaking of water molecules by sunlight. By studying how the quantum energy levels of advanced materials align, we can direct electrons to drive water-splitting reactions. But hydrogen must not only be produced but also stored and transported safely. Exploring how hydrogen diffuses through metals helps us design and protect pipes and containers that resist hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen research is, at its heart, a challenge in the physics of materials. From charge transport in catalysts to diffusion and phase changes in metals, physics reveals the mechanisms that limit the implementation of hydrogen economy. By applying the principles of quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, and thermodynamics, we can design materials that overcome these barriers and move hydrogen from a long-promised vision to a renewable energy solution.

Prof. Amir Mirzaei joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western University in 2024. He completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, specializing in the fabrication of nanomaterials. During this time, he realized that to effectively improve the performance of materials, one must understand and control the underlying physics of their building blocks. This insight led him to expand his research into the physical principles that dictate how materials behave. In 2019, he began working as a postdoctoral researcher, focusing on controlling material structures at the atomic scale. His projects aimed to address energy and environmental challenges. Dr. Mirzaei’s current research focuses on designing and fabricating advanced coatings and functional materials for critical applications, including corrosion resistance, hydrogen production, and hydrogen storage. Beyond research, Dr. Mirzaei is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists, encouraging students to explore how physics and materials science can work together to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.