Review on the design of high-strength and hydrogen-embrittlement-resistant steels

Given the carbon peak and carbon neutrality era, there is an urgent need to develop high-strength steel with remarkable hydrogen embrittlement resistance. This is crucial in enhancing toughness and ensuring the utilization of hydrogen in emerging iron and steel materials. Simultaneously, the pursuit of enhanced metallic materials presents a cross-disciplinary scientific and engineering challenge. Developing high-strength, toughened steel with both enhanced strength and hydrogen embrittlement (HE) resistance holds significant theoretical and practical implications. This ensures secure hydrogen utilization and further carbon neutrality objectives within the iron and steel sector. Based on the design principles of high-strength steel HE resistance, this review provides a comprehensive overview of research on designing surface HE resistance and employing nanosized precipitates as intragranular hydrogen traps. It also proposes feasible recommendations and prospects for designing high-strength steel with enhanced HE resistance.