Influence of vanadium nanoclusters in hydrogen uptake using hybrid nanostructured materials

In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of vanadium oxide nanoclusters (V2O5) supported in silica nanostructured material (SBA-15) and nanostructured carbon (CMK-3). This material is promising in hydrogen adsorption and storage application for energy harvesting. The materials with vanadium oxide nanoclusters (VxOy-SBA-15 and VxOy-CMK-3) were successfully synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, textural properties, UV–Vis-DRS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed reduction and transmission electron microscopy analyses. VxOy-SBA-15 and VxOy-CMK-3 improved significantly the H2 storage behavior (1.33 wt% and 3.43 wt% at 77 K and 10 bar) compared with their respective supports SBA-15 and CMK-3. The materials synthesized are promising in hydrogen uptake by weak link forces (physisorption). A mechanism of hydrogen adsorption was proposed and V5+ cation roll in hydrogen uptake was discussed.