Synthesis and functionalization of graphite oxide: structural, morphological and thermal properties for hydrogen storage

This study reports the functionalization of graphite oxide (GO) surface using 1,4-diaminobutane (DAB) grafting followed by incorporation of palladium (Pd-NPs) as metallic nanoparticles. The resulting materials GO-DAB was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray-fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. It was found that DAB was successfully grafted on the interface sheets of GO. The incorporation of Pd-NPs was immobilized at the edge of the DAB amine. It was found that modified GO produce a slight structure compaction, due to the electrostatic interaction between metal and amine (Pd:NH2). The new functional material was employed for H2 adsorption and the results indicated a visible improvement of the H2 capacity retention. These increases are due to the chemical addition of both DAB and Pd-NPs. In addition, hydrogen retention appears to involve mainly chemical interactions and the results showed that the obtained materials had good affinity towards hydrogen. Even with compact structures, hydrogen was found to adsorb almost instantly at ambient temperature and pressure, which explained by the diffusion hindrance. The above results open new prospects to produces novel materials for hydrogen storage.