Synthesis of Ni and Mg MOF-derived carbons for potential hydrogen storage applications

The synthesis of a Ni-trimesic acid (Ni-BTC) metal–organic framework (MOF) under ambient conditions followed by pyrolysis yields a porous MOF-derived carbon (MDC) doped with elemental Ni, appropriate for hydrogen storage applications. The same methods cannot be used for the synthesis of Mg-BTC MOF and its MDC as the reactivity of Mg towards BTC is not sufficient to prevent competing reactions, and Mg is oxidized to MgO during pyrolysis, preventing hydrogen storage via the formation of MgH2.