Preparation of jute waste-based activated carbon supported copper oxide nanoparticles for hydrogen storage in MgH2

Abstract

The development of hydrogen fuel vehicles is a critical issue in the face of increasing energy demands, depletion of fossil fuels, and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, holds great promise for zero-emission vehicles. Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) is considered a promising material for hydrogen storage due to its high storage capacity (7.6 wt% and 102 g/L) and non-toxic nature. However, its practical application is limited by slow hydrogen sorption kinetics and thermodynamic stability. This study hypothesizes that adding copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-nano) supported on high surface area activated carbon (AC) can enhance the sorption properties of MgH₂. AC derived from jute waste was used as a promoter in the ball-milled AC/MgH₂/CuO composite. The results from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicate significant improvements in hydrogen adsorption and desorption rates at standard temperature and pressure. According to TGA analysis the dehydrogenation onset temperature of the ball-milled composite decreased significantly from 400 (fresh MgH₂) to 250 °C with the AC/CuO additive. The AC/MgH₂/CuO (AMC) composite sample exhibited a hydrogen desorption rate of 90% within 10 min at 250 °C. These findings suggest that the addition of AC/CuO effectively enhances hydrogen adsorption and desorption performance. This finding opens a new pathway for the development of efficient hydrogen storage materials.