September 3, 2024 | High-Performance Porous Crystals Pave the Way for Future Hydrogen Storage in Fuel Cell Vehicles!
Hydrogen (H2), the clean fuel of the future due to its zero emissions and high gravimetric energy density, faces significant hurdles in storage and transportation. Traditionally, hydrogen is stored in 700-bar compressed tanks—a method that is not only costly but also poses efficiency and safety risks. In a recent breakthrough, Feng contributed to a collaborated work, where researchers made a major step forward in overcoming the existing challenges associated with hydrogen storage. This discovery is now published online, titled "Balancing Volumetric and Gravimetric Capacity for Hydrogen in Supramolecular Crystals," in Nature Chemistry. This marks our first publication at Duke University. The research is a collaborative effort involving Ruihua Zhang, Fraser Stoddart, Randall Snurr, and others. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the adoption of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source, addressing key logistical challenges.
In this research, a highly stable hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) is synthesized with high gravimetric (3,526 m2 g−1) and balanced volumetric (1,855 m2 cm−3) surface areas, achieving excellent material-level volumetric capacity (53.7 g l−1) and balanced high gravimetric capacity (9.3 wt%) for hydrogen storage, under practical pressure and temperature swing conditions. Researchers utilize hydrogen-bonding interactions to direct and define catenation in a point-contact manner in supramolecular crystals, effectively reducing the surface loss caused by interpenetration and customizing the pore diameter desired for hydrogen storage. The high H2 volumetric and gravimetric capacity of this porous material enables its potential application in hydrogen vehicles.
(Figure from Fraser Stoddart)
Aiming to create a cleaner and more sustainable world, Feng Group at Duke MEMS is at the forefront of developing innovative materials and mechanisms to tackle global challenges in energy, climate, and health. Our research is rooted in our deep expertise in porous, polymeric, and supramolecular materials. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advance the field!
(Figure from Fraser Stoddart)