Sc-Modified C3N4 Nanotubes for High-Capacity Hydrogen Storage: A Theoretical Prediction

Utilizing hydrogen as a viable substitute for fossil fuels requires the exploration of hydrogen storage materials with high capacity, high quality, and effective reversibility at room temperature. In this study, the stability and capacity for hydrogen storage in the Sc-modified C3N4 nanotube are thoroughly examined through the application of density functional theory (DFT). Our finding indicates that a strong coupling between the Sc-3d orbitals and N-2p orbitals stabilizes the Sc-modified C3N4 nanotube at a high temperature (500 K), and the high migration barrier (5.10 eV) between adjacent Sc atoms prevents the creation of metal clusters. Particularly, it has been found that each Sc-modified C3N4 nanotube is capable of adsorbing up to nine H2 molecules, and the gravimetric hydrogen storage density is calculated to be 7.29 wt%. It reveals an average adsorption energy of −0.20 eV, with an estimated average desorption temperature of 258 K. This shows that a Sc-modified C3N4 nanotube can store hydrogen at low temperatures and harness it at room temperature, which will reduce energy consumption and protect the system from high desorption temperatures. Moreover, charge donation and reverse transfer from the Sc-3d orbital to the H-1s orbital suggest the presence of the Kubas effect between the Sc-modified C3N4 nanotube and H2 molecules. We draw the conclusion that a Sc-modified C3N4 nanotube exhibits exceptional potential as a stable and efficient hydrogen storage substrate.