Hydrogen storage properties of nanocrystalline Pt dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes

MWNTs have been synthesized by the pyrolysis of acetylene using hydrogen decrepitated Mischmetal (Mm)-based AB3 alloy hydride catalyst using chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) technique. Nanocrystalline Pt dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Pt/MWNTs) have been prepared by chemical reduction method using functionalized MWNT. MWNT and Pt/MWNT have been characterized by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, Raman, TGA and XRD studies. Hydrogen storage properties of as-grown, purified and nanocrystalline Pt dispersed MWNT have been investigated using high-pressure Seiverts' apparatus in the pressure range of 1-100 bar and at 298 and 125 K. The effects of purification and dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on the hydrogen storage capacity have been discussed. © 2007 International Association for Hydrogen Energy.