Hub for Hydrogen-Materials Interactions Research Infrastructures
H2MIRI
Funders
Project information
Project duration
-
Project funder
Funding amount
980 282 EUR
Project coordinator
University of Oulu
Contact information
Project leader
- Senior Research FellowSamuli Urpelainen
Project description
The transition to a hydrogen economy presents unprecedented challenges for the energy, raw materials, and transportation industries. New hydrogen-based processes and applications must be implemented in a very short timeframe to meet climate goals.
However, little is known about the interactions between hydrogen and materials that are critical to the functioning of our society, such as steels. To develop and commercialize reliable and safe hydrogen technologies, understanding these interactions is increasingly important. For example, in load-bearing structures, hydrogen-induced material embrittlement can have catastrophic effects, and using hydrogen as fuel does not produce the same lubricating film on engine surfaces as fossil fuels do.
The local infrastructures of H2MIRI address these needs with efficient characterization methods, strengthen the role distribution among partners, deepen expertise, and enable the production of essential knowledge for society.
Project actions
The project involves developing and acquiring research equipment to support the study of hydrogen and material interactions. Additionally, a digital portal will be developed where users can access information about research infrastructures and find related services and experts.
At the University of Oulu, the project will acquire Finland's first ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) equipment, which will be placed in the University of Oulu's Center for Material Analysis.