SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Khalifa University of Science and Technology is advancing next-generation battery, energy storage and hydrogen technologies through artificial intelligence (AI), innovative materials and international research partnerships, supporting the UAE’s clean energy ambitions.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr Ali AlHammadi, Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies and Associate Professor, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at KU, outlined the university’s latest work in energy storage and its potential applications in the UAE’s energy transition.
Research spans hydrogen technologies at the Research and Innovation Center on CO2 and Hydrogen (RICH), thermal storage testing at the Solar Platform and the development of alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
“Our group is building a post-lithium portfolio that combines laboratory materials work with AI,” he said.
AI is also accelerating battery development by predicting performance and identifying promising materials before laboratory testing.
Dr AlHammadi also pointed to advances in battery materials, including MXene and graphene composites, which improve charging speeds and reduce energy loss.
He explained that water-based electrolytes improve safety, while advanced materials and AI help extend battery lifespans and reduce development costs.
The university is also exploring abundant materials, including sodium, zinc and sulfur, to develop more affordable and sustainable batteries.
“These batteries are not meant to beat lithium-ion everywhere,” he said, emphasising their potential in applications where safety, affordability and durability are priorities.
Khalifa University is exploring sodium-ion, zinc-ion, solid-state, photo-rechargeable batteries, lithium-sulfur, solid-state sodium-ion, and, computational design, alongside AI-driven materials research aimed at improving storage safety, affordability and performance.
However, most of these technologies remain at the laboratory stage, requiring further testing and industry collaboration. “The next steps are larger cells, longer testing, and pilot demonstrations with industry partners,” he added.
Dr AlHammadi highlighted the importance of advanced energy storage in supporting the UAE’s renewable energy ambitions. “The UAE has excellent sunshine, but solar power only works while the sun is up. Storage turns it into round-the-clock power,” he said.
Advancing Hydrogen Production
Alongside battery and energy storage research, Khalifa University is advancing hydrogen production and storage technologies.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr Maryam Khaleel Alhashmi, Associate Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, discussed research into producing hydrogen from industrial waste and seawater, as well as collaborations aimed at advancing cleaner steelmaking and sustainable aviation fuels.
The university’s hydrogen research includes the use of AI to develop new materials, alongside work on membranes, catalysts and storage technologies.
“Among Khalifa University’s notable achievements in hydrogen research are advances in membranes, catalysts and storage materials for hydrogen production, utilisation, and storage,” she said.
Dr Alhashmi pointed to the potential of using locally available resources to produce hydrogen more efficiently.
“One promising example is producing hydrogen from hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an abundant by-product of natural gas processing, rather than scarce water.”
She also outlined the university’s international collaborations, which include research into advanced membranes, hydrogen storage materials, and seawater-based hydrogen production.
“A current collaboration between Khalifa University researchers at the Research and Innovation Center on CO2 and H2 and Tsinghua University in China is exploring the production of hydrogen from sea water.”
Turning to opportunities for the UAE’s energy sector, Dr Alhashmi highlighted hydrogen’s potential across industry, clean energy and sustainable fuels.
“Low-carbon ammonia, hydrogen use in refining and chemicals, and hydrogen-based steel production offer the greatest opportunities for the UAE’s energy sector in the short term, with shipping and aviation fuels providing longer-term growth potential.”
Khalifa University’s strong industry collaborations are helping to advance work in these areas, she added.
“Through a research agreement with EMSTEEL and Ohmium International, the university is working to optimise the use of green hydrogen in direct reduced iron production, supporting the transition towards cleaner steelmaking.
“In sustainable aviation fuels, Khalifa University joined ADNOC, Masdar, ENOC, Emirates, Etihad and international partners to launch Air-CRAFT, a research consortium focused on developing and scaling sustainable aviation fuel, including opportunities for advancing hydrogen-derived fuels. Other collaborations include Airbus and Kimwan Hydrogen, further strengthening the university’s engagement across the hydrogen value chain.”
Advanced hydrogen technologies could reduce production and storage costs, she said. Integrating them with affordable clean energy and industrial hubs could create what Dr Alhashmi described as “hydrogen oasis”, delivering cost-effective solutions for the UAE.