Development of permeation barrier coatings for steels in hydrogen applications

2026-07-22

MITHRIL Project aims to develop durable hydrogen permeation barriers (HPB) coatings with 5 technologies (Gel, Pack Cementation, Sol-Gel, PECVD, electroless plating). Steel industry emissions must fall by at least 55% within 2030 to contribute to the European Green Deal final goal of making EU carbon neutral by 2050. The most promising mitigation approach to tackle the problem is the hydrogen transition, capable to reduce direct emissions by 48%. In the present scenario, a crucial role in this mitigation approach is played by repurposing gas pipelines and building of new hydrogen pipelines. Not all of them are “hydrogen ready” or “hydrogen-embrittlement-free” or their weld zones, the more susceptible to failure, raise concerns of possible serious incidents due to the hazardous nature of H2, thus application of HPB coatings will solve this issue. Commercial products are present but not tested or applicable to the internal walls of a hydrogen pipeline. Thanks to its tailored coating technologies and instruments (there is PECVD specifically designed for this scope), MITHRIL solutions will fill this gap by developing, upscaling, validating at TRL5, and diffusing guidelines of HPB coatings to impart embrittlement-resistance and increase the steel ductility of at least 20%, allowing the repurpose or application of non-hydrogen-ready pipelines and thus boosting the EU hydrogen transition. MITHRIL will also study transferability of its solutions to other hydrogen-relevant sectors (e.g., nuclear, automotive, domestic storage).

Italy

2026-01-01