Polymeric architectures (PAs) for H2 capture: A review on the mechanism, synthesis approach, and physicochemical traits

As a clean fuel, hydrogen can pare down the energy generation from burning coal fuels, which invariably haul up atmospheric CO2 levels, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and annihilating its negative effects on the envi-ronment. Crude oil accounts for 97 % of all fuel sources, producing around 25 % of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, creating technically viable methods for using H2 as fuel in stationary and mobile appli-cations is essential. H2 can be stored in gas cylinders that can compress the gas to high pressure (>350 bar), but it is too expensive and complicated to be practical. Therefore, economical and secure materials are required to efficiently avail H2 as a fuel, where polymers play a crucial role because of their low cost, lightweight, ability to induce porosity, good surface area, and capacity for H2 adsorption as well as selectivity. Polymers in membranes, sieves, and microporous organic frameworks can be utilized for clean energy generation because of their good H2 adsorption or capturing. This review summarizes and discusses the distinct architectures of polymers for different forms, their physicochemical traits, permeability, selectivity properties, polymer chemistry for membrane preparation, and the implications of surface functionalization on the H2 uptake capacity, along with the pros-pects of commercial utility.

Automated summary

Hydrogen, as a clean fuel, can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by burning coal fuels and crude oil, which accounts for 97% of all fuel sources. However, storing hydrogen gas in gas cylinders is expensive and impractical. Polymers, with their low cost and ability to adsorb hydrogen, can play a crucial role in efficiently utilizing hydrogen as a fuel in membranes, sieves, and microporous organic frameworks for clean energy generation. This review discusses the different architectures of polymers, their physicochemical traits, preparation methods, and the prospects of commercial utility.