Advanced Ceramic and Graphene-Enhanced Liners to Enable Efficient, Low-Emission Hydrogen and Ammonia Engines

This project will explore new materials to support efficient, low-emission power generation using hydrogen and ammonia fuels. Led by H2CHP, the study will assess advanced ceramic liner and coating concepts, including the use of graphene, for application in free-piston engine generators designed for distributed energy systems.

Hydrogen and ammonia offer significant potential as low-carbon fuels, but their use in combustion engines places demanding requirements on materials. To achieve high efficiency and low emissions, engines must minimise heat losses while maintaining durability under repeated thermal cycling. Cylinder liners and surface technologies play an important role in determining efficiency, reliability and maintenance requirements.

The project will investigate whether advanced ceramic and graphene-enhanced materials could improve performance under these conditions. The work will focus on feasibility, including defining performance requirements, producing small-scale material samples, and testing them under representative conditions. An energy infrastructure owner and operator will provide input on operational requirements and adoption considerations to ensure the work is aligned with real-world deployment needs.

The project will identify promising material concepts, key technical challenges and next steps toward future demonstration. By addressing materials barriers to efficient hydrogen and ammonia power generation, the project aims to support the transition to lower-carbon energy systems and contribute to the UK's net zero ambitions.