Synergetic effect of porous silicon–Nickel composite on its solid-state hydrogen energy storage properties

Abstract

Hydrogen is a clean and carbon-free energy reliable carrier to fulfill the energy supply requirement for an energy-sustainable society. Among different hydrogen energy storage techniques, solid-state hydrogen storage demonstrates elevated bulk density and gravimetric capacity and addresses safety concerns. The work studies the synergetic effect of porous Silicon (PS) as the host storage material and Ni as the catalyst in the composite form. The PS fabricated by electrochemical anodization is ball-milled with Ni powder to prepare the composite. The composite shows an improved hydrogen storage capacity of 1.64 wt% at 40 bar and 120 °C. The capacity increases to 2.69 wt% with the increase in pressure to 60 bar at 60 °C, indicating the large active surface. The physical and chemical changes to the composite are analyzed using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The differential scanning calorimetry shows the catalytic effect of Ni by reducing the decomposition temperature of individual PS. The synergetic effect of PS and Ni produces a synergetic effect that leads to the dissociation of molecules, improves hydrogen storage capacity, and reduces the temperature required for desorption.