Developing electrospun fibers for hydrogen storage applications
Abstract
The primary objective of this research was to produce an electrospun nanofiber for the application
of hydrogen storage, and the absorption kinetics of the highly porous nanocomposite fiber mats.
One of the critical components of advancing hydrogen, and fuel cell technologies advancement is
successfully storing hydrogen for use in various industries, like transportation, defense, compact
gadgets, and energy. Hydrogen energy is the future because of its highest energy density,
availability, and environmental and health benefits. Currently, enterprises are searching for a
solution for energy distribution management and hydrogen gas storage. In this way, there is a need
to develop a hydrogen storage innovation that might be considered for later use in aviation
applications. It is being researched that functional nanocomposite fibers incorporated with
hydrogen-sensitive inclusions will increase hydrogen storage capacity, and absorption/desorption
kinetics of hydrogen gas at lower temperatures and pressures. Here, the electrospinning method
has been used to produce polymeric nanofibers with different nanoscale metal hydrides, and
conductive particles that can store hydrogen under a controlled environment, and enhance thermal
properties. Selected polymeric materials for hydrogen storage that have been investigated are
polyacrylonitrile (PAN), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and sulfonated polyether ether
ketone (SPEEK) in combination with metallic hydrides, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. On
testing, it was observed that hydrogen capacity with SPEEK, which includes 4% MWCNT and 4%
MH (Mmni4.5Fe0.5) shows significant H2 uptake compared to PAN/PMMA polymer.
Description
Thesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering