Nanotechnology Now

Our NanoNews Digest Sponsors
Heifer International



Home > Press > Silicon nanotubes for hydrogen storage in fuel cell vehicles

Researchers report hydrogen storage by silicon nanotubes exceeds that of their carbon couterparts. Silicon could play a large role in the emergence of 'clean' hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Courtesy of ornl.gov
Researchers report hydrogen storage by silicon nanotubes exceeds that of their carbon couterparts. Silicon could play a large role in the emergence of 'clean' hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Courtesy of ornl.gov

Abstract:
After powering the micro-electronics revolution, silicon could carve out an important new role in speeding the debut of ultra-clean fuel cell vehicles powered by hydrogen, researchers in China suggest. Their calculations show for the first time that silicon nanotubes can store hydrogen more efficiently than their carbon nanotube counterparts. The study will appear in the April 24 issue of ACS' Journal of Physical Chemistry C, a weekly publication.

Silicon nanotubes for hydrogen storage in fuel cell vehicles

Beijing, China | Posted on April 16th, 2008

Dapeng Cao and colleagues note that researchers have focused on the potential use of carbon nanotubes for storing hydrogen in fuel cell vehicles for years. Despite nanotubes' great promise, they have been unable to meet the hydrogen storage goals proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. A more efficient material for hydrogen storage is needed, scientists say.

In the study, Cao's group used powerful molecular modeling tools to compare the hydrogen storage capacities of newly developed silicon nanotubes to carbon nanotubes. They found that, in theory, silicon nanotubes can absorb hydrogen molecules more efficiently than carbon nanotubes under normal fuel cell operating conditions. The calculations pave the way for tests to determine whether silicon nanotubes can meet government standards for hydrogen storage, the scientists note. — MTS

####

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Dapeng Cao, Ph.D.
Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Beijing, China
Phone: 86-10-64443254
Fax: 86-10-6442-7616

Copyright © American Chemical Society

If you have a comment, please Contact us.

Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Bookmark:
Delicious Digg Newsvine Google Yahoo Reddit Magnoliacom Furl Facebook

Related News Press

News and information

Quantum computer improves AI predictions April 17th, 2026

Flexible sensor gains sensitivity under pressure April 17th, 2026

A reusable chip for particulate matter sensing April 17th, 2026

Detecting vibrational quantum beating in the predissociation dynamics of SF6 using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy April 17th, 2026

Nanotubes/Buckyballs/Fullerenes/Nanorods/Nanostrings/Nanosheets

Tiny nanosheets, big leap: A new sensor detects ethanol at ultra-low levels January 30th, 2026

Enhancing power factor of p- and n-type single-walled carbon nanotubes April 25th, 2025

Chainmail-like material could be the future of armor: First 2D mechanically interlocked polymer exhibits exceptional flexibility and strength January 17th, 2025

Innovative biomimetic superhydrophobic coating combines repair and buffering properties for superior anti-erosion December 13th, 2024

Discoveries

Quantum computer improves AI predictions April 17th, 2026

Flexible sensor gains sensitivity under pressure April 17th, 2026

A reusable chip for particulate matter sensing April 17th, 2026

Detecting vibrational quantum beating in the predissociation dynamics of SF6 using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy April 17th, 2026

Announcements

A fundamentally new therapeutic approach to cystic fibrosis: Nanobody repairs cellular defect April 17th, 2026

Qjump: Shallow-circuit quantum sampling guides combinatorial optimization On up to 104 superconducting qubits, Qjump assists in searching the ground states of hard Ising problems and might outperform simulated annealing on near-term quantum hardware April 17th, 2026

Rice study resolves decades-old mystery in organic light-emitting crystals: Findings reveal how molecular defects can enhance light conversion efficiency: April 17th, 2026

UC Irvine physicists discover method to reverse ‘quantum scrambling’ : The work addresses the problem of information loss in quantum computing system April 17th, 2026

Energy

Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance: Researchers demonstrate cobalt exsolution in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in oxidizing atmospheres, presenting a new direction for fuel cell research October 3rd, 2025

Sensors innovations for smart lithium-based batteries: advancements, opportunities, and potential challenges August 8th, 2025

Simple algorithm paired with standard imaging tool could predict failure in lithium metal batteries August 8th, 2025

Portable Raman analyzer detects hydrogen leaks from a distance: Device senses tiny concentration changes of hydrogen in ambient air, offering a dependable way to detect and locate leaks in pipelines and industrial systems April 25th, 2025

Automotive/Transportation

Decoding hydrogen‑bond network of electrolyte for cryogenic durable aqueous zinc‑ion batteries January 30th, 2026

Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance: Researchers demonstrate cobalt exsolution in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in oxidizing atmospheres, presenting a new direction for fuel cell research October 3rd, 2025

Sensors innovations for smart lithium-based batteries: advancements, opportunities, and potential challenges August 8th, 2025

Simple algorithm paired with standard imaging tool could predict failure in lithium metal batteries August 8th, 2025

Fuel Cells

Hanbat National University researchers present new technique to boost solid oxide fuel cell performance: Researchers demonstrate cobalt exsolution in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in oxidizing atmospheres, presenting a new direction for fuel cell research October 3rd, 2025

Deciphering local microstrain-induced optimization of asymmetric Fe single atomic sites for efficient oxygen reduction August 8th, 2025

Current and Future Developments in Nanomaterials and Carbon Nanotubes: Applications of Nanomaterials in Energy Storage and Electronics October 28th, 2022

The “dense” potential of nanostructured superconductors: Scientists use unconventional spark plasma sintering method to prepare highly dense superconducting bulk magnesium diboride with a high current density October 7th, 2022

NanoNews-Digest
The latest news from around the world, FREE




  Premium Products
NanoNews-Custom
Only the news you want to read!
 Learn More
NanoStrategies
Full-service, expert consulting
 Learn More











ASP
Nanotechnology Now Featured Books




NNN

The Hunger Project