Enhanced volumetric hydrogen storage capacity of porous carbon powders by forming peels or pellets

Hydrogen storage measurements on peels formed from powdered carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) mixed with 3–5 wt% PTFE binder are presented. Polymer interactions with adsorption sites are explored by examining CDCs derived from different precursors. The observed trends in loss of gravimetric capacity suggest that the detrimental effect of the polymer is greatest for large (>1.5 nm) pores and small (<1.5 nm) particle sizes. Further densification was realized by palletizing stacks of peels. Our best-performing CDC sample displayed excess and total volumetric capacities of 0.021 and 29 g H2/L, respectively, at 77 K and 4 MPa hydrogen pressure.