Synthesis and characterization of MWCNT impregnated with different loadings of SnO2 nanoparticles for hydrogen storage applications

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) loaded with different wt % of tin oxide (MWCNT: SnO2) nanocomposites have been synthesized by impregnation method and their hydrogen uptake capacity is investigated. The hydrogen storage capacity of MWCNT: SnO2 (3 wt %), MWCNT: SnO2 (5 wt %), MWCNT: SnO2 (7 wt %) and MWCNT: SnO2 (9 wt %) composites is found to be 2.03, 1.95, 0.94 and 1.59 wt % respectively. The enhanced hydrogen storage capacity is due to SnOC bond formation and summative adsorption of hydrogen by MWCNT and SnO2 nanoparticles. Moreover, physical/chemical properties of composites are examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and Raman analyses. Hydrogen adsorption and desorption behavior of the composites are analyzed using Raman and thermogravimetric analyses. The stored hydrogen is desorbed in the temperature range of 183 ˚C-536 °C.