China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb, science paper shows

South China Morning Post ^ | 04/20/2025

[SeekAndFind]

Chinese researchers have successfully detonated a hydrogen-based explosive device in a controlled field test, triggering devastating chemical chain reactions without using any nuclear materials, according to a study published last month. The 2kg (4.4lbs) bomb generated a fireball exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two seconds – 15 times longer than equivalent TNT blasts – without using any nuclear materials, it said.

Developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) 705 Research Institute, a key player in underwater weapon systems, the device uses a magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage material.

Chinese researchers have successfully detonated a hydrogen-based explosive device in a controlled field test, triggering devastating chemical chain reactions without using any nuclear materials, according to a study published last month. The 2kg (4.4lbs) bomb generated a fireball exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two seconds – 15 times longer than equivalent TNT blasts – without using any nuclear materials, it said.

Developed by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s (CSSC) 705 Research Institute, a key player in underwater weapon systems, the device uses a magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage material.

The new technology centers on the use of magnesium hydride (MgH2), a white or silvery crystalline powder that's capable of storing an outsize amount of hydrogen.

The material and its extraordinary solid-state storage potential originally piqued scientists' interest for a peaceful purpose: transporting hydrogen to off-grid locations for use generating clean energy and heat by way of fuel cells. Magnesium hydride's storage capacity is far superior to pressurized tanks. The material is also of interest to scientists in the field of spacecraft propulsion.

[Vermont Lt]

My guess is they found some element to bind with the H. That would make it “too large” to seep through the container.

But that is pressing my knowledge of chemistry…It’s an interesting exercise.

[Cincinnatus.45-70]

More accessible version:

https://asiatimes.com/2025/04/chinas-new-hydrogen-bomb-aims-to-shock-and-awe-taiwan/#

[woodbutcher1963]

Isn’t that what the Neutron Bomb was supposed to do that we created/tested during the Carter Administration?

[rdcbn1]

You can definitely get a lithium cell to either detonate or burn uncontrollably.

There have been a number of lithium battery explosions and melt downs in high performance aerospace applications

[GOPJ]

The obvious advantage is the shockwave is larger in area volume and also you don’t have to carry the weight of oxygen in your payload the air supplies that. This is in no way a nuclear device people heat hydrogen and think thermonuclear weapon this is a combustion weapon not a fusion one.

Interesting. So no pesky radiation?

[John S Mosby]

Exactly— said much more thoroughly what i was saying. Hydrogen is nothing to fool around with, with or without magnesium.

[Does so]

Good one...!

;)