(Digital Presentation) Screening Analysis of Hydrogen Absorption in Metal-Modified Carbon Supports
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Tarek M , Elmekawy Ahemd 
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen fuel is rapidly gaining recognition as a promising alternative energy source with the potential to help address the global energy crisis. As the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions increases, hydrogen stands out due to its abundance and clean combustion, producing only water as a byproduct. Carbon-based materials, known for their large surface area and excellent mass transport properties, play a critical role in enhancing hydrogen fuel applications. These materials are particularly effective in catalysis, adsorption, and energy storage, making them invaluable in the pursuit of more efficient and sustainable energy systems [1-19].

This study evaluated the hydrogen uptake of five different activated carbon materials, each modified with a distinct metal ion (Ni, Co, Ag, Cu, Zn), to assess the impact of metal modification on hydrogen storage capacity. The structural and compositional changes resulting from the metal modifications were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques. Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) was employed to analyze the crystalline structures of the modified carbons, providing insight into potential alterations in their lattice arrangements. Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to detect changes in functional groups, highlighting any chemical modifications caused by the metal incorporation. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) offered detailed surface morphology images, enabling a close examination of the physical alterations to the carbon materials. Together, these techniques provided a comprehensive understanding of how metal modifications influence the hydrogen storage capabilities of activated carbon materials.

Nitrogen adsorption isotherms were measured at 77 K (liquid nitrogen temperature) to evaluate the surface area and pore size distribution of the samples. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis was conducted to obtain precise data on the specific surface area, offering insights into the extent of the available surface for adsorption. Additionally, the pore size distribution was carefully assessed to characterize the porosity of the metal-modified carbons, providing a deeper understanding of their structural properties and potential influence on hydrogen storage performance.

The hydrogen uptake capacity of the metal-modified activated carbon samples was evaluated at 77 K across a pressure range from ambient to 1 bar. The results revealed significant differences in hydrogen storage capacities based on the type of metal ion used for modification. Notably, the activated carbon samples modified with nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) ions demonstrated the highest hydrogen storage capacities, with uptakes approaching 5%. In contrast, the copper (Cu) modified carbon showed the lowest hydrogen uptake capacity.

These findings emphasize the substantial impact that metal ion modification has on the hydrogen storage performance of activated carbon. The superior performance of the Ni- and Co-modified carbons suggests their strong potential for practical applications in hydrogen storage technologies. Furthermore, this study underscores the broader significance of metal ion modifications in enhancing the properties of activated carbon, positioning it as a promising material for a wide range of advanced technological applications.

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