Activation, characterization and hydrogen storage properties of the mesoporous carbon CMK-3

Activation of mesoporous carbon CMK-3 with CO2 for hydrogen storage was studied. Huge structure and texture changes emerged for the activated CMK-3 based on the characterization by using XRD, TEM and nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. The ordered mesoporous structure of CMK-3 gradually became disorder and its specific surface area and volume of pores especially micropores were enhanced remarkably. Hydrogen sorption measurement showed that the activation led to an obvious increase of the H-2 sorption capacity of CMK-3. The maximum H-2 uptake of 2.27 wt% at 77 K and 1 bar was obtained for the sample activated at 1223 K for 8 h. The small pores with the diameter smaller than 1 nm contributed greatly to the H-2 uptake, and were confirmed more effective than other pores for hydrogen storage. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.