Hydrogen adsorption/desorption in functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The adsorption and desorption of hydrogen in SWCNTs functionalized with borane is investigated experimentally. The SWCNTs are functionalized with borane (BH3) using LiBH4 as the precursor. The functionalized samples are hydrogenated and storage capacities of 3.2 wt.% and 3.8 wt.% are achieved at 50°C. Desorption of hydrogen is carried out by thermal annealing. Experimental evidences are provided by FTIR, CHNS and TG/TDS techniques. From the results it is confirmed that the designed hydrogen storage system is suitable for vehicular fuel cells.