Can Activated Carbon Be Used for Hydrogen Storage ?

Activated carbon is not typically used for hydrogen storage, primarily because it does not offer the necessary storage capacity or efficiency for storing hydrogen gas. Hydrogen storage is a critical component of hydrogen-based energy systems, such as fuel cells and hydrogen fuel vehicles.

There are several methods for hydrogen storage, and each has its advantages and limitations. Some of the most common methods for hydrogen storage include:

1. Compressed Hydrogen Gas: This method involves storing hydrogen gas at high pressures (typically 350-700 bar) in specially designed tanks. Activated carbon is not used in this method.
2. Liquid Hydrogen: Hydrogen can be stored as a cryogenic liquid at extremely low temperatures. Specialized cryogenic containers are used for this purpose.
3. Metal Hydrides: Certain metals and alloys, such as magnesium or lithium hydrides, can absorb and release hydrogen gas reversibly. These materials are capable of storing significant quantities of hydrogen, but they require controlled temperature and pressure conditions and are typically not associated with activated carbon.
4. Chemical Hydrogen Storage: Some chemical compounds can bond with hydrogen and release it when needed. These compounds are generally not related to activated carbon.

Activated carbon is known for its high surface area and porosity, which makes it suitable for adsorption of gases and liquids. However, it is not used for hydrogen storage because it cannot achieve the necessary storage density (mass of hydrogen per unit volume) and efficiency required for practical applications. Researchers have explored various materials, including metal-organic frameworks and porous materials, for hydrogen storage due to their ability to achieve higher storage capacities.

But Some Researches show that activated carbon can store hydrogen:

•   Hydrogen storage on chemically activated carbons and carbon nanomaterials at high pressures.
•  Storage of Hydrogen in Activated Carbon  and Carbon nanotubes

Can Carbon Fiber be Used for Hydrogen Storage ?

Carbon fiber can be used for hydrogen storage, but it is not a standalone storage medium for hydrogen. Instead, carbon fiber is used as a component of a composite material in high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks. These tanks are designed to store hydrogen gas at high pressures, which is one of the common methods for hydrogen storage.

Here’s how it works:

1. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Tanks: Carbon fiber-reinforced composites are used to create lightweight, high-strength pressure vessels. These tanks are designed to withstand the high pressures required for storing hydrogen gas. The carbon fiber provides the strength and durability while keeping the tank’s weight relatively low.
2. Gas Pressure: Hydrogen is stored within these tanks at high pressures, typically in the range of 350-700 bar (5,000-10,000 psi). The carbon fiber composite tank ensures that the high pressure can be safely contained.
3. Safety: Safety is a critical consideration when storing hydrogen at high pressures. Carbon fiber tanks are designed to meet safety standards and are tested rigorously to ensure that they can withstand various stresses and conditions.

While carbon fiber is an integral part of high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks, it’s important to note that the capacity of such tanks depends on their size and design. These tanks are typically used in applications like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, where the high-pressure storage allows for a reasonable amount of hydrogen to be stored in a relatively small space. However, they may not achieve the same level of hydrogen storage capacity as some other hydrogen storage methods like metal hydrides or liquid hydrogen.