NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN HYDROGEN STORAGE

6.1 Nano structuring

Nano structuring of the hydrides has enabled in achieving higher capacity of hydrogen
storage [5]. The Nano structured materials aids in alteration of inter grain and intra grain
boundaries which in turns facilitates bulk absorption. Nano structuring enables in design of
light weight and higher density storage systems. They influence the following factors: -

(a) thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen adsorption.

(b) Dissociation by increasing the diffusion rate.
(c) Decreases the diffusion length.

6.2 Nano Doping

Catalytic doping in hydrides causes enhancement of reaction kinetics at low

temperatures and enables high storage capacity of hydrogen[6]. The phenomenon of Nano
catalyst doping causes increase in collision frequency between H2 molecules and transition
metal nano-particles increases with decreasing with decreasing size of the catalyst.
Experimental studies have revealed that doping by a Nano catalyst decreases the onset
temperature by 1000C which might be crucial towards storage of hydrogen in an underwater
platform. Catalytic dopants offer several advantages: -

(a) Surface interactions

(b) Adsorption in addition to bulk absorption
(c) Rapid Kinetics
(d) Low temperature sorption
(e) Hydrogen atom dissociation
(f) Molecular diffusion via surface catalyst.

6.3 Nano Confinement

Nano-confinement [7] is a synthesis technique that consists of confining the potential

hydrogen storage material into a Nano porous scaffold material. Nanoconfinement of materials
increases the reusability, stability and probability of improved thermodynamics. There are two
types of nano-confiment techniques presently being explored towards storage of hydrogen.

6.3.1 Solution Impregnation

(a) This process involves dissolution of hydrogen storage material in a specific solvent
to form a homogenous solvent.
(b) The porous host is added to homogenous solvent to impregnate within the structure
of porous host.
(c) On removal of solvent the active material is confined within the pores.

6.3.2 Melt Infiltration

 (a) The material is melted in such a manner that it is confined within the selected
porous host for direct infiltration.
(b) Post Solidification the particles adopt the sizes of pores of the host.

6.4 Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes store hydrogen inside the microscopic pores and outside the tube
structures[8]. Theoretical calculations indicate Carbon nanotubes are capable of storing
anywhere from 4.2% to 65% of their own weight. However, the technology is still considered
nascent towards implementation onboard primarily due to their high costs, inability to recharge
in-situ and the complex support infrastructure requirements.

6.5 Co-axial Electrospinning/Electro spraying

The process absorbs and encapsulates hydrogen gas in a microscopic sponge formed by
nanofiber hybrids[9]. The plastic bead shaped structure storing the chemical hydrides are 30
times smaller than that of a human hair. The smaller size of the microbeads allows them to flow
like liquid through a fueling system. The advantage of such a system is that the beads are safe
when exposed to air and requires less heat to dissipate the encapsulated hydrogen[10].