Ni-dispersed fullerenes: Hydrogen storage and desorption properties

Abstract

Our study shows that the H2 storage media using Ni-dispersed fullerenes could be viable alternatives to reversible hydrogen storage. It is demonstrated that a single Ni coated on the fullerene surface can store up to three H2 molecules. Consequently, at high Ni coverage, Ni-dispersed fullerenes are considered to be the novel hydrogen storage media capable of storing ∼6.8wt%H2, thus exceeding the Department of Energy target (6.5 wt %) for automobile applications. Moreover, the H2 desorption activation barrier of 11.8kcal∕molH2 is ideal for many practical hydrogen storage applications.