Adsorption and compression contributions to hydrogen storage in activated anthracites

We prepared activated carbons (ACs) that are among the best adsorbents for hydrogen storage. These ACs were prepared from anthracites and have surface areas (SBET) as high as 2772 m2 g−1. Anthracites activated with KOH presented the highest adsorption capacities with a maximum of 5.3 wt.% at 77 K and 4 MPa. Non-linearity between hydrogen uptake at 77 K and pore texture was confirmed, as soon as their SBET exceeded the theoretical limiting value of (geometrical) surface area, i.e., SBET > 2630 m2 g−1. We separated adsorption and compression contributions to total hydrogen storage. The amount of hydrogen stored is significantly increased by adsorption only at moderate pressure: 3 MPa and 0.15 MPa at 298 and 77 K, respectively. Hydrogen adsorption on ACs at high pressure, above 30 MPa at 298 K and 8 MPa at 77 K, has not interest because more gas can be stored by simply compression in the same tank volume.