Conversion of Biomass Wastes into Activated Carbons by Chemical Activation for Hydrogen Storage

Abstract

Abstract The investigation of activated carbons for hydrogen storage has attracted great attention due to their easy availability, adjustable microstructure and large specific surface area. Herein, three kinds of agricultural biomass wastes (bagasse, cornstalk and pine powder) are used to prepare activated carbons via chemical activation (H 3 PO 4 , ZnCl 2 and KOH). The interinfluence of precursors and activators on the activated carbon was investigated. We found that the same biomass treated with different activators possessing totally unique characters, whereas three kinds of biomass activated with the same activators exhibited mild difference. Specifically, KOH contributed the largest specific surface area. The optimized activated carbons were used for hydrogen storage measurement and exhibited high storage capacity. Hydrogen storage capacity of activated carbon is proportional to volume of micropores. Conversion of cheap biomass wastes into activated carbon for hydrogen storage is significant for rational utilization of resources and energy storage.