High H2 uptake by alkali-doped carbon nanotubes under ambient pressure and moderate temperatures

Abstract

Lithium- or potassium-doped carbon nanotubes can absorb ~20 or ~14 weight percent of hydrogen at moderate (200°to 400°C) or room temperatures, respectively, under ambient pressure. These values are greater than those of metal hydride and cryoadsorption systems. The hydrogen stored in the lithium- or potassium-doped carbon nanotubes can be released at higher temperatures, and the sorption-desorption cycle can be repeated with little decrease in the sorption capacity. The high hydrogen-uptake capacity of these systems may be derived from the special open-edged, layered structure of the carbon nanotubes made from methane, as well as the catalytic effect of alkali metals.