Hydrogen storage and desorption properties of Ni-dispersed carbon nanotubes

We report that the H2 storage method using Ni-mediated CNTs is a viable candidate for fuel cell applications. It is demonstrated that a single Ni coated on the carbon nanotubes’ (CNT) surfaces can store up to 5 H2. In this respect, at high Ni-coverage, Ni-dispersed single-walled CNTs are considered to be capable of releasing ∼10wt.% H2 at around room temperature. Moreover, the H2 desorption barrier of 0.26eV∕H2, corresponding to the desorption temperature of 328K, is ideal for fuel cell applications.