Electrospun PMMA/AB nanofiber composites for hydrogen storage applications

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/ammonia borane (AB) nanofiber composites were fabricated and the synergetic nanoconfinement effect of nanofibers on dehydrogenation temperature and the removal of unwanted by-products of AB (NH3 BH3) were studied. The results of the dehydrogenation of PMMA/AB samples showed an exothermic reaction temperature of 112°C, which is significantly lower than that of pure AB (120°C). Furthermore, the interaction between AB molecules and PMMA nanofiber structures decreased the enthalpy of exothermic decomposition, from -21.00 to -10.66 kJ/mol H2, suggesting that this type of AB nanofiber composite can provide a convenient reversible hydrogen storage material. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis curves, the use of PMMA to support AB in composite structures resulted in a decrease in AB weight loss from 60.00 to 11.10 wt.% which, in turn, could vigorously reduce the emission of by-product impurities. Based on the obtained results, the strategy of supporting AB in nanofiber structures can be presented as a practical solution to maintain lower operational temperatures and to reduce undesirable volatile products in the dehydrogenation process of AB.