Exceptional gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage for densified zeolite templated carbons with high mechanical stability

Eric Masika,Robert Mokaya

doi:10.1039/c3ee42239a

Abstract

Densification of zeolite templated carbons increases their volumetric hydrogen uptake from ca. 31 g l−1 to >50 g l−1 at 20 bar and −196 °C.

Highlights

There are currently considerable research efforts aimed as developing materials that would allow the use of energy generation processes that do not emit greenhouse gases
We report here on the mechanical properties of high surface area zeolite templated carbons and the consequences of compaction on porosity, densification and both gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen uptake
The templated carbons have unimodal pore size distribution centred at 1.2 nm (Supporting Figure S2), and which agrees with previous studies that have shown that zeolite templated carbons with higher levels of zeolite-like ordering do not possess a significant proportion of pores larger than 1.5 nm.[9,12]

Summary

Introduction

There are currently considerable research efforts aimed as developing materials that would allow the use of energy generation processes that do not emit greenhouse gases. 20 g/l at -196 oC and 40 bar.[20] Linares-Solano and co-workers recently reported that activated carbon monoliths with a high packing density of 0.7 g/cm[3] and good micropore volume can achieve a total volumetric hydrogen uptake capacity of ca. Buckybowl-like nanographenes assembled into a three-dimensionally regular network.[30] Given the unique molecular structure of zeolite-templated carbons, theoretical simulations have suggested that they may achieve a volumetric hydrogen uptake of 50 g/l at -196 oC and 50 bar.[31] It is highly desirable to explore the possible densification of zeolite templated carbons at high compaction pressures and any effects such compaction may have on hydrogen uptake. 60 GPa).[32] We report here on the mechanical properties of high surface area zeolite templated carbons and the consequences of compaction on porosity, densification and both gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen uptake.

Results and Discussion

Summary

Graphical Abstract