Silicon nanoparticles: A new hydrogen storage material

Powder samples of hydrogen capped silicon nanoparticles of the average diameter 60 nm, 10 nm, 5 nm, and 4nm were prepared via a low temperature chemical method. The nanoparticles can be prepared as either crystalline or amorphous by powder X-ray diffraction, depending upon the reaction conditions. These nanoparticles have hydrogen on the surface, confirmed by solid state ¹H MAS NMR, and FTIR. TG/DSC shows that there are two weight losses for the smallest nanoparticles. Temperature isotherms show weight loss of about 10%. Hydrogen uptake and release properties have been investigated TG/MS and PCT measurements. Recent results will be presented and this new material compared with other high surface area materials for hydrogen storage.