Solid-State Hydrogen Storage within a Proton Battery and Its Performance Analysis with Different Catalyst Loadings

Abstract

Hydrogen has already been identified as a potential candidate capable of replacing fossil fuels because of its immense energy content compared to conventional fuels. However, finding the safe, efficient generation and storage of hydrogen is a challenge. The present paper reports on hydrogen generation and its subsequent adsorption-desorption process in a proton battery with varied catalyst loading. The method of porous carbon electrode fabrication and experimentation is disclosed. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is employed to determine morphology characteristics of the fabricated electrodes that are integrated in a proton battery to study the process of hydrogen adsorption and desorption under the influence of varied catalytic loading. The comparison between catalytic loading of 1 mg/cm2 and 2 mg/cm2 is analysed and reported. The hydrogen storage capacity of activated carbon electrode employed in a proton battery is obtained to be in the range of 0.4 to 0.5 wt. %. The obtained result proves the technical feasibility of a hydrogen generation and its subsequent adsorption in an ionic form within a proton battery. The obtained results contribute towards finding a sustainable alternative solution to fossil-based fuels for the global energy demand.