When metals are exposed to hydrogen-rich environments like water, they can become brittle and prone to failure due to a phenomenon known as hydrogen embrittlement. A recent study published in Science Advances, led by Dr. Mengying Liu from Washington and Lee University in collaboration with researchers at Texas A&M University, delves into the underlying mechanisms of this long-standing challenge. The team focused on a nickel-base alloy, Inconel 725, recognized for its strength and corrosion resistance. Contrary to the hydrogen enhanced localized plasticity (HELP) hypothesis, the study found that cracks do not initiate at points with the highest localized plasticity, challenging existing theories. By tracking crack initiation locations in real time, the researchers gained insights into the mechanisms leading to hydrogen-induced damage, a critical aspect for understanding and preventing embrittlement in metal alloys. The ability to observe crack initiation during testing is paramount as hydrogen tends to escape from metals once a crack forms, hindering post-failure analysis. This real-time monitoring allowed the team to identify how slip plays a role in hydrogen-assisted crack initiation, offering a new perspective on the embrittlement process. As the world explores the possibility of transitioning to hydrogen as a clean energy source, the susceptibility of current infrastructure to hydrogen embrittlement poses a significant challenge. Accurately predicting embrittlement is essential to prevent unexpected failures and ensure the viability of a hydrogen-based economy. This study lays the foundation for future research aimed at enhancing our understanding of hydrogen embrittlement, a key step towards a sustainable energy future.