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Reversible transient hydrogen storage in a fuel cell-supercapacitor hybrid device
Jesus E Zerpa Unda1, Emil Roduner
1Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|February 10, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrogen storage method using supercapacitors and carbon materials. This spontaneous, reversible process offers higher capacity than conventional physisorption, with potential fuel cell applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Conventional hydrogen storage methods face challenges with efficiency and operating conditions.
- Electrochemical hydrogen storage typically requires energy input for loading.
- Supercapacitors offer high power density but limited energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a new concept for hydrogen storage in a supercapacitor.
- To achieve spontaneous and reversible hydrogen storage at ambient conditions.
- To enhance hydrogen storage capacity beyond conventional physisorption.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a supercapacitor with large-surface-area carbon material (Black Pearls 2000).
- Separating hydrogen protons and electrons for storage in the electrical double layer.
- Employing a fuel cell-type electrode and aqueous electrolyte (H2SO4).
Main Results:
- Achieved a hydrogen storage capacity of 0.13 wt%, an order of magnitude higher than physisorption.
- Demonstrated spontaneous and reversible hydrogen storage near ambient pressure and temperature.
- Observed a capacitance of 11 μF cm⁻², comparable to commercial supercapacitors.
Conclusions:
- The novel hybrid device offers a promising approach for efficient hydrogen storage.
- The stored hydrogen's chemical energy significantly exceeds the supercapacitor's electrical energy.
- Potential applications include integrated hydrogen buffers for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
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