Progress in polymeric material for hydrogen storage application in middle conditions

Hydrogen sorption using a manganese oxide anchored to PEEK (Poly(ether-ether-keton)) matrix was studied. The functionalization process and the obtained results on hydrogen storage capability of the synthesized polymer are reported. The functionalised polymer was characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Volumetric Hydrogen sorption measurements. Different synthesis conditions in terms of precursor concentration and reaction time were used and the direct correlation between manganese oxide percentage and hydrogen storage capability was confirmed. In this way different powders were synthesised. It is assumed that the sample with 78 wt% (SPMnO6) forms a combination of mixed manganese oxides since different reticular planes were observed. On this sample, promising results regarding to hydrogen capability at 110 °C and 60 bar were obtained, in particular 1.1 wt% hydrogen sorption was recorded. Moreover, this value, after about 30 h, remains quite constant. These preliminary results demonstrate the capability of such compound to absorb hydrogen, for this reason further morphological and structural studies are in progress with the aim to better understand the mechanism involving the storage.