Synthesis, characterization, and modeling of hydrogen storage in carbon aerogels

Conference · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:110742

Pekala, R W; Coronado, P R; Calef, D F

Carbon aerogels are a special class of open-cell foams with an ultrafine cell/pore size (<50 nm), high surface area (600-800 m{sup 2}/g), and a solid matrix composed of interconnected colloidal-like particles or fibers with characteristic diameters of 10 nm. These materials are usually synthesized from the sol-gel polymerization of resorcinol-formaldehyde or phenolic-furfural, followed by supercritical extraction of the solvent and pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. The resultant aerogel has a nanocrystalline structure with micropores (<2 nm diameter) located within the solid matrix. Carbon aerogel monoliths can be prepared at densities ranging from 0.05-1.0 g/cm{sup 3}, leading to volumetric surface areas (> 500 m{sup 2}/cm{sup 3}) that are much larger than commercially available materials. This research program is directed at optimization of the aerogel structure for maximum hydrogen adsorption over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. Computer modeling of hydrogen adsorption at carbon surfaces was also examined.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 110742
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--120315; CONF-9504160--8; ON: DE95017841
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ADSORPTION
CARBON FIBERS
GRAPHITE
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN STORAGE
RAMAN SPECTRA