CMCs in Hydrogen Systems: A Material to Watch for the Next Energy Era?

Hydrogen is gaining momentum as a clean energy carrier — but it brings serious engineering challenges: heat, pressure, embrittlement, and corrosion. According to a 2025 study by Zhang et al. (MDPI), Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) could offer a path forward.

Their findings suggest that C/SiC and SiC/SiC composites show promising resistance against:

• Hydrogen embrittlement

• Thermal cycling above 1,000 °C

• Corrosive salt and gas exposure

• Mechanical fatigue in pressure systems

In the context of offshore hydrogen production — e.g., wind-powered electrolyzers at sea — these materials may become key enablers. Their ability to maintain performance under extreme conditions could make them suitable for:

• Heat shields around fuel cells

• Insulated battery or H₂ tank housings

• Corrosion-resistant structural supports

• Hybrid power modules combining thermal and electrical loads

It’s still early stage, but the paper highlights one clear trend: If hydrogen infrastructure is to scale safely and efficiently, new materials like CMCs will likely be part of the equation.