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Item Short term ageing of asphalt binder in thin asphalt layers(2024-03) O’Connell, Johan; Maina, James; VdM Steyn, WJThe effects of ageing on pavement performance are significant, particularly in terms of fatigue cracking. South Africa has the 10th longest road network in the world, requiring innovative approaches to road construction due to severe budget constraints. Innovative solutions such as thin asphalt concrete layers for surfacing, result in unique ageing rates of the layers, which, in general, have a higher incidence of fatigue cracking than, for example, thicker asphalt concrete layers used in other parts of the world. The objective of this paper is to evaluate how ageing mechanisms affect various asphalt binder properties, and whether they affect them to the same extent or not. Furthermore, the objective of the paper is also to determine the accuracy of the Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) in simulating short-term ageing in the field. The RTFOT provides a relatively good indication of short-term ageing, according to this multi-decade ageing study, and the effect on the asphalt binder properties used as ageing indices depends on the specific property chosen for comparison before and after ageing.Item A survey on low-power wide area networks for IoT applications(2024-03) Bembe, M; Abu-Mahfouz, Adnan MI; Masonta, Moshe T; Ngqondi, TWe are on the entry of the exponential advancement of the internet-of-things (IoT) due to the quick development of internet-connected smart-objects. As the number of connected smart-objects increase, IoT will continue to advance by providing connectivity and interactions between the physical and the cyber world. This connectivity is characterized by low throughput, delay sensitivity, small and wide coverage, low power consumption, low device, etc. Which explains the emergence of low power wide area network (LPWAN). LPWAN technologies are an alternative promising connectivity solutions for Internet of Things. However, the lack of an overall LPWAN knowledge that present a comprehensive analysis of LPWAN technologies is presently constraining the achievement of the modern IoT vision. In this paper, we begin with a detailed analysis of the conventional high power long-range network technologies that considers IoT applications and requirements. We further point out the need for dedicated low power wide area technologies in IoT systems. In addition, we analyse the technical specification based on the PHY and MAC layers of the technologies that are already deployed, or likely to be deployed. The focus is to incorporate both standard and proprietary technologies in our study. Furthermore, we present the modelling techniques and performance metrics that are adopted in LPWAN networks analysis. Finally, challenges and open problems are presented. The main contribution of this study is that it provides an enhanced summary of the current state-of-the-art of LPWAN suitable to meet the requirements of IoT, while uniquely providing LPWAN’s modelling techniques, performance metrics and their associated enablers.Item Winter entrainment drives the mixed layer supply of manganese in the Southern Ocean(2024-07) Ramalepe, Thapelo; Samanta, S; Cloete, R; Ryan-Keogh, Thomas J; Roychoudhury, ANDespite the subnanomolar dissolved manganese concentrations that can co-limit Southern Ocean primary production, their physical supply mechanisms during winter, for biological consumption in spring and summer have not yet been explored. During austral winter and spring 2019, two cruises were conducted in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, to determine the distribution and surface water supply mechanisms of dissolved manganese in the upper water column. The supply mechanisms were used to calculate the total flux of dissolved manganese to productive surface waters and were compared to biological consumption estimates. Mean dissolved manganese concentrations in the upper water column (< 500 m) during winter and spring were comparably low (= 0.34 nmol kg1; p > 0.05), with seasonal mixed layer reservoir sizes averaging 65.21 12.93 and 21.64 19.32 µmol m2, respectively. Winter entrainment contributed 89.33–99.99% (average 97.26% 5.28%) of the total dissolved manganese flux, while diapycnal diffusion contributed 0.52–10.58% (average 4.92% 5.14%), was identified as the dominant mechanisms for transporting dissolved manganese into the mixed layer in the subantarctic zone, polar frontal zone, and antarctic zone. Here, the winter physical supply rates were higher than the estimated consumption rates during spring, meeting phytoplankton biological demands. Whereas in the subtropical zone, the supply rates were lower than the consumption rates, indicating the presence of additional supply mechanisms such as coastal upwelling, which may help to meet the biological demands in this region.Item Unraveling the interplay between the leucine zipper and forkhead domains of FOXP2: Implications for DNA binding, stability and dynamics(2024-05) Perumal, CM; Thulo, M; Buthelezi, Sindisiwe G; Naicker, Previn; Stoychev, Stoyan; Lahki, A; Fanucchi, SFOXP2 is a transcription factor associated with speech and language. Like other FOX transcription factors, it has a DNA binding region called the forkhead domain (FHD). This domain can exist as a monomer or a domain swapped dimer. In addition to the FHD, the leucine zipper region (LZ) of FOXP2 is also believed to be associated with both DNA binding and oligomerization. To better understand the relationship between DNA binding and oligomerization of FOXP2, we investigated its structure, stability and dynamics, focusing specifically on the FHD and the LZ. We did this by using two constructs: one containing the isolated FHD and one containing both the LZ and the FHD (LZ-END).We demonstrate in this work, that while the FHD maintains a monomeric form that is capable of binding DNA, the LZ-END undergoes a dynamic transition between oligomeric states in the presence of DNA. Our findings suggest that FOXP2's LZ domain influences DNA binding affinity through a change in oligomeric state. We show through hydrogen exchange mass spectroscopy that certain parts of the FHD and interlinking region become less dynamic when in the presence of DNA, confirming DNA binding and oligomerization in these regions. Moreover, the detection of a stable equilibrium intermediate state during LZ-END unfolding supports the idea of cooperation between these two domains. Overall, our study sheds light on the interplay between two FOXP2 domains, providing insight into the protein's ability to respond dynamically to DNA, and enriching our understanding of FOXP2's role in gene regulation.Item Generation of segmented isiZulu text(2024-02) Mkhwanazi, Sthembiso; Marais, LauretteThe complex morphology, conjunctive orthography and widespread occurrence of morphophonological alternation in the Nguni languages have given rise to several efforts towards morphological segmentation of tokens of Nguni languages. For supervised methods, annotated data is required, which currently exists as canonically segmented data in the NCHLT corpus and surface segmented data in the Ukwabelana corpus. In this paper, we present a method and segmentation strategy based on a computational grammar for isiZulu. The grammar, which itself has some limitations in processing speed and robustness to unexpected input, is used to create a new set of segmentations for the tokens of the Ukwabelana corpus.Item Overcoming challenges for improved patient-centric care: A scoping review of platform ecosystems in healthcare(2024-01) Chibuike, MC; Grobbelaar, SS; Botha, AdeleIn recent studies, platform ecosystems, an extension of business ecosystems, have emerged as highly disruptive mechanisms for generating value within various industries. The transformative influence of digital technologies on conventional business landscapes is increasingly evident, facilitating inclusive and sustainable development. However, realizing value co-creation within digital platform ecosystems faces formidable hurdles in healthcare, primarily attributed to the complex challenges surrounding privacy, security, and effective data governance. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute Guidelines for scoping reviews, the study explores the extent literature on the integration of digital platform ecosystems in healthcare. The contribution of this article is to explore the applications of platform ecosystems in healthcare delivery, specifically focusing on electronic healthcare records, smartphones, artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, and blockchain technologies. The research identifies and discusses the challenges of implementing these technologies in the healthcare industry. Furthermore, the study proposes a healthcare platform ecosystem framework, integrating communication strategies, GDPR compliance, and architectural components. This study synthesizes the extant literature to formulate a theoretical healthcare ecosystem framework for improved patient-centric care. The review and resultant framework is intended to support understanding of digital health dynamics and guides healthcare organizations, technology developers, and policymakers in ensuring data security, compliance and interoperability.Item Material characteristics of Ti-6AL-4V samples additively manufactured using laser-based direct energy deposition(2023-02) Willemse, MG; Siyasiya, CW; Marais, D; Venter, AM; Arthur, Nana KKAlthough additive manufacturing is fast gaining traction in the industrial world as a reputable manufacturing technique to complement traditional mechanical machining, it still has problems such as porosity and residual stresses in components that give rise to cracking, distortion, and delamination, which are important issues to resolve in structural load-bearing applications. This research project focused on the characterization of the evolution of residual stresses in Ti-6Al-4V extra-low interstitial (ELI) additive-manufactured test samples. Four square thin-walled tubular samples were deposited on the same baseplate, using the direct energy deposition laser printing process, to different build heights. The residual stresses were analysed in the as-printed condition by the neutron diffraction technique and correlated to qualitative predictions obtained using the ANSYS software suite. Good qualitative agreement between the stress measurements and predictions were observed. Both approaches revealed the existence of large tensile stresses along the laser track direction at the sections that were built last, i.e., centre of the top layers of the samples. This in addition leads to large tensile stresses at the outer edges (corners) which would have the effect of separating the samples from the baseplate should the stresses exceed the yield strength of the material. Such extreme conditions did not occur in this study, but the stresses did lead to significant distortion of the baseplate. In general, the microstructures and spatial elemental mapping revealed a strong correlation between the macro-segregation of elemental V and the distribution of the ß-phase in the printed parts.Item Comparative analysis of hydrodynamic flowrate sources as drivers of water quality models for nitrogenous compounds in complex ungauged South African rivers(2024-04) Mahlathi, Christopher D; Brink, I; Wilms, JMWater quality modelling is a critical tool for managing the health of river ecosystems, particularly in regions impacted by point source pollution activities. This study investigates the influence of different hydrodynamic data sources on the performance of two river water quality models, the Basic Model (BM) and the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Programme (WASP) for modelling nitrogenous compounds in a complex river system including wastewater treatment plant effluent discharges. Four diverse hydrodynamic data input types were considered. These included measured station data, altered station data, rainfall-generated flow, and the WRSM/Pitman model estimate. Findings revealed trends, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t-test analyses consistently demonstrated significant disparities between model predictions and measured data in specific river segments, indicating a need for segment-specific modelling approaches. An increase in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Square Error (MSE) values in certain segments pointed to a decline in model accuracy when confronted with distinct hydrodynamic conditions. Additionally, application of four diverse hydrodynamic data input sources yielded similar performance for BM and WASP against measured data. The research findings indicated a complex interplay between river hydrodynamics and water quality modelling, resulting in a recommendation for tailored modelling strategies that account for unique characteristics of river segments.Item A review on waste wood reinforced polymer composites and their processing for construction materials(2023-05) Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, OJ; Chunilall, Viren; Sithole, BThe necessity to utilise environmentally friendly resources has emerged due to environmental management. With the demand for the production of plastics and wood materials, pollution has increased. Consequently, the attraction in natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) is rapidly emerging in the construction industry, mainly to replace synthetic fibre composites. The intensified interest is associated with manufacturing ‘green’ and lightweight panels. This review provides insight into the prospects and challenges related to the processing of wood waste-reinforced polymer composites. Using natural fibres, especially waste as raw material, is desirable for developing value-added products to mitigate environmental pollution. The current materials used for the wood-based composites are reviewed as disadvantages associated with wood plastic composites, such as low interfacial bonding. Efforts such as chemical treatment are outlined to wood fibres to manufacture an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, lightweight, and biodegradable composite with enhanced structural properties was provided. Various waste plastics, plant dust, and coupling agents-based composites investigated for applications, and emerging aspects of wood plastic composite for construction materials applications are outlined.Item Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the South African water sector(2024-04) Funke, Nikki; De Wet, Audrey; Mafunda, Ayanda; Schaefer, Lisa M; Le Roux, Wouter JAn analysis of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the South African water sector is presented. The study identified and focused on three main themes: water revenue collection, water service delivery, and water sector operations. The Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted these aspects and exacerbated pre-existing problems in the water provision landscape of South Africa. Business continuity management was identified as a top priority for water sector institutions in South Africa to ensure the continued provision of critical water services. In-depth case study research is recommended to establish how water sector institutions in South Africa dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic and how this can inform their disaster preparedness and management going forward.Item Biogenic and lithogenic silicon along the GEOTRACES south West Indian Ocean section (SWINGS-GS02) and the islands mass effect on regional Si biogeochemical cycle(2024-06) Deteix, V; Cotard, E; Caquineau, S; Landing, WM; Planchon, F; Ryan-Keogh, Thomas J; Cardinal, DThe distribution and cycling of biogenic silica (BSi) and lithogenic silicon (LSi) in the ocean play crucial roles in the global silicon cycle and marine ecosystem dynamics. This is especially the case in the Southern Ocean where diatoms constitute the predominant phytoplankton and participate in a major way to the biological carbon pump. This study presents an assessment of BSi and LSi concentrations along the GEOTRACES South West Indian Ocean Section (SWINGS, late austral summer 2021), where several and contrasting regions were encountered: oligotrophic Mozambique basin, HNLC (High Nutrient Low Chlorophyll) areas and regions fertilized by the Subantarctic islands. Suspended particles were sampled from Niskin bottles and in situ pumps, along with scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and specific pigments measurements to support BSi and LSi analyses. With samples coming from a contrasting study area prone to diverse continental influences, our BSi and LSi results showed a reproducibility of 13 ± 7%, in the same range as the established protocol. BSi concentrations show a north-south gradient with maxima encountered in the Antarctic Zone, and contrasted results between HNLC open ocean areas and naturally fertilized regions in the vicinity of the Subantarctic islands. Some open ocean stations have unusually high BSi (e.g. > 5 µmol L-1) likely resulting from fertilization by aerosols, upwelling or island mass effect when they are downstream of the islands. Coupling of BSi with SEM observations and pigments measurements respectively showed diatoms were the most representative of the carrying phase of BSi and suggested silicification changes, induced either by heavily silicified diatoms or by micronutrient limitation in HNLC regions. BSi is often dominated by the smallest size fraction (0.45–5 µm) which represent 47 ± 23% of the total BSi based on 29 measurements on size fractionated samples. LSi results highlighted atmospheric inputs at the surface and nepheloid layers in the water column, which makes LSi overall a good indicator of the origin of lithogenic materials. SEM observations supported these results, enabling characterization of the diversity of lithogenic materials in the vicinity of the Subantarctic islands, more specifically volcanic ash around Heard Island, and within the nepheloid layers.Item Preparation of cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) bionanocomposites filaments using biobased additives for 3D printing applications(2023-08) Agbakoba, Victor C; Hlangothi, P; Andrew, Jerome E; Mathew, Maya JThis work presents the experimental steps taken towards the preparation of 3D printable bionanocomposites using polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer containing 0.1, 0.5 and 1 wt% CNCs. Optimized amounts of bio-based additives were added to improve the processability and flexibility of the bionanocomposites. The 3D printable bionanocomposite filaments were drawn using a single screw extruder. The bionanocomposites filament was used to 3D print prototypes and test specimens for dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Characterization of the CNCs and bionanocomposites was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The nucleating effect of CNCs enhanced the crystallization behaviour of bionanocomposites by 5%, 15% and 11%, for the different CNCs loadings. The TGA analysis revealed a 20 °C improvement in the thermal stability of the bionanocomposites. Meanwhile, the tensile analysis showed a =48% increase in the tensile strength of the bionanocomposites filaments which was attributed to the reinforcing effects of CNC. The addition of CNCs significantly increased the melt viscosity, storage and loss modulus of PLA. In summary, the bionanocomposite filaments produced in this study exhibited excellent processibility and superior mechanical and thermal properties. This work presents the experimental steps taken towards the preparation of 3D printable bionanocomposites using polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer containing 0.1, 0.5 and 1 wt% CNCs.Item Utilisation of a virtual honeynet to proactively secure the South African National Research and Education Network against cyberattacks(2024-07) Meyer, Heloise; Barbour, Graham D; McDonald, Andre M; Badenhorst, Danielle P; Gertenbach, Wian PSouth Africa is witnessing a significant increase in cyberattacks. Although such an increase in cyberattacks can be attributed to various factors, poor investment in cybersecurity technology and lack of awareness are causing South Africa to be a target of interest. While cyberattacks are targeting various sectors, it is the cyberattacks impacting critical infrastructure that are a growing concern. The South African National Research and Education Network (SA NREN) is a high-speed network dedicated to science, research, education and innovation traffic. With the growth of the SA NREN and the continuous increase in cyberattacks affecting South African institutions, proactive steps are required to secure and protect the SA NREN. This responsibility lies with the SA NREN Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CSIRT), which was established in 2016 to offer protection against cyberattacks. While various proactive measures are currently in place to monitor the SA NREN, the CSIRT continues to explore alternative cost-effective solutions to secure the NREN. This paper investigates the benefits of utilising a novel low-interaction secure shell (SSH) honeynet, referred to as the Virtual Honeynet, to monitor and proactively secure the SA NREN. The Virtual Honeynet uses virtual containers to reduce resource requirements and improve performance. The investigation involved the experimental deployment of the Virtual Honeynet on the SA NREN over a twelve-day period and the evaluation of the captured data. The evaluation conducted focused on extracting behavioural and geographical intelligence from the raw data to guide the deployment of cyber measures to secure the SA NREN. The results presented in this paper confirm the value the Virtual Honeynet offers to the SA NREN as a technology to proactively secure the network.Item Biochar-derived anode materials for lithium-ion batteries: A review(2024-04) Seroka, Ntalane S; Luo, Hongze; Khotseng, LHighly portable nanoelectronics and large-scale electronics rely on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as the most reliable energy storage technology. This method is thought to be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. We provide a study of a low-cost, abundant, and renewable supply of carbon-based biomass with potential uses in LIBs. Renewable feedstocks have received significant attention in recent decades as promising tools for efficient and alternative anode materials for LIBs. Researchers can synthesise carbon-rich biochar through the pyrolytic process of biomass. Depending on the synthetic process, precise surface chemistry, and textural qualities such as specific surface area and porosity, this material can be customised to favour application-specific properties with a preferred application. In this research, we look at the performance of biochar in LIBs, its properties, and the biomass supply, and we discuss the prospects for these biomass-derived materials in energy storage devices.Item Valorization of food waste into single-cell protein: An innovative technological strategy for sustainable protein production(2024-01) Sekoai, Patrick T; Roets-Dlamini, Yrielle; O’Brien, Frances F; Ramchuran, Santosh O; Chunilall, VirenThe rapidly increasing population and climate change pose a great threat to our current food systems. Moreover, the high usage of animal-based and plant-based protein has its drawbacks, as these nutritional sources require many hectares of land and water, are affected by seasonal variations, are costly, and contribute to environmental pollution. Single-cell proteins (SCPs) are gaining a lot of research interest due to their remarkable properties, such as their high protein content that is comparable with other protein sources; low requirements for land and water; low carbon footprint; and short production period. This review explores the use of food waste as a sustainable feedstock for the advancement of SCP processes. It discusses SCP studies that exploit food waste as a substrate, alongside the biocatalysts (bacteria, fungi, yeast, and microalgae) that are used. The operational setpoint conditions governing SCP yields and SCP fermentation routes are elucidated as well. This review also demonstrates how the biorefinery concept is implemented in the literature to improve the economic potential of “waste-to-protein” innovations, as this leads to the establishment of multiproduct value chains. A short section that discusses the South African SCP scenario is also included. The technical and economic hurdles facing second-generation SCP processes are also discussed, together with future perspectives. Therefore, SCP technologies could play a crucial role in the acceleration of a “sustainable protein market”, and in tackling the global hunger crisis.Item Fish species, families and guilds recorded in selected estuaries of Mozambique(2024-05) Whitfield, AK; Weerts, Steven PThis review documents the occurrence of fish species in a range of estuaries from Mozambique. Altogether 217 fish species were recorded, belonging to 77 families, and dominated in terms of species richness by Gobiidae, Carangidae and Mugilidae. A guild analysis was conducted to compare the occurrence and degree of estuary-association by the various species in tropical Mozambique, with that recorded from nearby predominantly subtropical and warm-temperate estuaries in South Africa. The major difference in guild occurrence between the two countries centered on the higher representation of marine stragglers in Mozambique estuaries, a probable result of the wide mouths and macrotidal exchange of some of the larger systems along this coast. Estuarine lakes and lagoons within the Mozambique coastal region showed increasing reduction in marine connectivity with channel distance from the sea, and a concomitant increase in freshwater fish species domination of these incipient coastal lakes and lagoons. Once these systems lose all connectivity with the sea, they become freshwater coastal lakes and lagoons, and all estuary-associated marine fish species disappear.Item A narrative review of the therapeutic and remedial prospects of cannabidiol with emphasis on neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders(2024-03) Omotayo, OP; Lemmer, Yolandy; Mason, SThe treatment of diverse diseases using plant-derived products is actively encouraged. In the past few years, cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a potent cannabis-derived drug capable of managing various debilitating neurological infections, diseases, and their associated complications. CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and curative effects in neuropathological conditions, and it exhibits therapeutic, apoptotic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. However, more information on the reactions and ability of CBD to alleviate brain-related disorders and the neuroinflammation that accompanies them is needed.Item Spectrum sensing and SINR estimation in IEEE 802.11s cognitive radio Ad Hoc networks with heterogeneous interference(2024-03) Zlobinsky, N; Mishra, AK; Lysko, Albert AThis paper addresses spectrum sensing (SS) in a Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Network (CRAHN). The interconnec tions of the nodes are formed on Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) channels, such as Television White Spaces (TVWS), so the CRAHN can suffer from heterogeneous Secondary User (SU) interference. We suggest that the idle time in IEEE 802.11s devices resulting from the employment of the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) and Mesh Coordination Function (MCF) be used for off channel SS without causing any disruption to data transmission in the network. We perform Markov chain analysis to find the expected length of time of a sensing window. This work also specifies how an efficient minimum-variance unbiased estimator of the interference-plus-noise can be found. Estimation is more granular, accurate, and appropriate to the problem of SU-SU coexistence than the binary hypothesis testing methods that are common in the DSA and SS literature. We construct confidence intervals for the interference-plus-noise estimates based on the observations and find relationships between the number of sampling windows and sampling time, the interference power, and the achievable confidence interval width. The SU interference estimates can then be used to find improved channel assignments for the CRAHN.Item A homogeneity test for spatial line patterns(2024-03) Thiede, R; Fabris-Rotelli, I; Debba, Pravesh; Cleghorn, CWSpatial linear networks exhibit a variety of patterns. Like spatial point patterns, they can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. Although there exist a wide variety of tests for the homogeneity of point patterns, no statistical tests currently exist to quantify the homogeneity of spatial linear networks. This research provides two statistical methodologies to test for homogeneity in spatial linear networks, using point pattern methods. The first methodology approximates spatial linear networks by point patterns, obtained by taking the midpoint of each line. The second methodology projects each line of a spatial linear network into a space defined by the distance from the origin and orientation of the line, thus representing lines as three dimensional points. In both methodologies, existing tests for homogeneity of point patterns are then applied to the point pattern representations of the linear networks. The methodologies are applied to test for homogeneity of formal and informal road networks in South Africa. This research is in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 9 and 10.Item Hydrogen production, storage, and transportation: Recent advances(2024-02) Rampai, MM; Mtshali, CB; Seroka, Ntalane S; Khotseng, LOne such technology is hydrogen-based which utilizes hydrogen to generate energy without emission of greenhouse gases. The advantage of such technology is the fact that the only by-product is water. Efficient storage is crucial for the practical application of hydrogen. There are several techniques to store hydrogen, each with certain advantages and disadvantages. In gaseous hydrogen storage, hydrogen gas is compressed and stored at high pressures, requiring robust and expensive pressure vessels. In liquid hydrogen storage, hydrogen is cooled to extremely low temperatures and stored as a liquid, which is energyintensive. -Researchers are exploring advanced materials for hydrogen storage, including metal hydrides, carbonbased materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and nanomaterials. These materials aim to enhance storage capacity, kinetics, and safety. The hydrogen economy envisions hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, utilized in various sectors like transportation, industry, and power generation. It can contribute to decarbonizing sectors that are challenging to electrify directly. Hydrogen can play a role in a circular economy by facilitating energy storage, supporting intermittent renewable sources, and enabling the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals. The circular economy concept promotes the recycling and reuse of materials, aligning with sustainable development goals. Hydrogen availability depends on the method of production. While it is abundant in nature, obtaining it in a clean and sustainable manner is crucial. The efficiency of hydrogen production and utilization varies among methods, with electrolysis being a cleaner but less efficient process compared to other conventional methods. Chemisorption and physisorption methods aim to enhance storage capacity and control the release of hydrogen. There are various viable options that are being explored to solve these challenges, with one option being the use of a multilayer film of advanced metals. This work provides an overview of hydrogen economy as a green and sustainable energy system for the foreseeable future, hydrogen production methods, hydrogen storage systems and mechanisms including their advantages and disadvantages, and the promising storage system for the future. In summary, hydrogen holds great promise as a clean energy carrier, and ongoing research and technological advancements are addressing challenges related to production, storage, and utilization, bringing us closer to a sustainable hydrogen economy.