Titus E., Coelho M.C., Cabral G., Madaleno J.C., Shokuhfar T., Gracio J.
University of Aveiro, PT
Keywords: carbon nanotubes, hydrogen storage, polymers
An efficient hydrogen storage material is a hot topic of discussion among modern scientific community worldwide. The efficiency of the hydrogen storage material is measured on the basis of their adsorption enthalpy. Low adsorption enthalpy is the criteria for hydrogen adsorption and several novel materials including polymers, zeolites and carbon nanotubes are highly recommended for the same. In this study, we demonstrate a novel way of synthesis of Carbon nanotube/ Polymer composites using functionalised carbon nanotubes. We discuss the functionalization process of CNT using a novel surfactant and its performance in uniform distribution into polymer matrix. The functionalization promoted unbundling of CNT by the creation of electrostatic charge in the CNT system and its uniform distribution in polymer system. Finally, the novel composite developed was analysed for hydrogen storage properties and the results were promising. Variable-temperature IR spectroscopy was used for measuring gas-adsorption heats. The hydrogen adsorption and desorption studies were performed by calorimetric analysis. The adsorption data was fitted in modified Langmuir isotherm for the enthalpy measurement. Other analytical techniques include, transmission electron microscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 381 - 383
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications
ISBN: 1-4200-6182-8