Solvent induced surface modifications on hydrogen storage performance of ZnO nanoparticle decorated MWCNTs

Abstract

Surface functionalization via decorating nanometal particles on MWCNTs for hydrogen uptake through a spillover mechanism is the key for hydrogen energy storage for transport sectors. To improve the spillover effect, the decoration of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of carboxylate-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) was examined by tuning the experimental conditions such as varying the solvent and metal content. Samples were characterized using SEM coupled with EDS, TEM and powder X-ray diffraction. The hydrogen uptake performance of materials was examined at non-cryogenic temperatures i.e. 253 K and 298 K up to 70 bar pressure. Zn decorated MWCNTs prepared in water, amine and DMF adsorbed 0.47, 0.51 and 0.87 wt% of hydrogen, respectively, at non-cryogenic temperatures and moderate pressures.