Investigation on platinum loaded multi-walled carbon nanotubes for hydrogen storage applications

Molecular hydrogen uptake of modified carbon nanotubes is a prospect for efficient hydrogen storage in fuel cell vehicles. In this study, a simple and efficient method to decorate the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) with platinum nano particles is presented. To load the Pt nanoparticles, hexachloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6 center dot 6H(2)O) is used as a precursor. Surface morphology of these Pt loaded MWNT is observed using Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Both samples are also characterized by X-Ray Diffraction. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis results indicate that both as purchased MWNT and Pt loaded MWNT have decomposition temperature higher than 500 degrees C in air. N-2 adsorption experiments yields a BET area of the sample close to 500 m(2)/g. This MWNT/Pt sample was reduced in 10% of H-2 in Ar, flowing at 900 degrees C in a tubular furnace for 1 h before hydrogen adsorption measurements. Hydrogen uptake of MWNT/Pt was measured at 2.5 MPa and 77 K. This hydrogen uptake isotherm is also compared with measurements at ambient temperature. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.