Synthesis and Characterization of MCM-41 Silicates modified with Ni by different methods for Adsorption Hydrogen Storage

Abstract

In this work, MCM-41 materials have been synthesized and modified with Ni by hydrothermal synthesis, with a molar Si/Ni ratio of 60 and increased synthesis time from 0 to 7 days; and by the wet impregnation method with different metal loading. It was tested the influence of synthesis method on the structural and textural properties. In addition, in the samples synthesized by impregnation different metal loading were evaluated, with the aim of improving their structure for the hydrogen storage. The samples present a well-defined mesoporous structure typical of MCM-41 materials, with high surface areas. It was found that, for materials synthesized by direct incorporation, short periods of synthesis do not allow the proper incorporation of the metal in the structure, while prolonged periods of synthesis (above the optimal) produce partial destruction thereof. Finally, it could be concluded that the materials modified with a proper nickel loading by both methods, could present a high hydrogen storage capacity.