Scientific community has long been fascinated by boron nitride due to its unique properties: sturdy, ultra-thin transparent, insulating and lightweight. boron is a versatile material that can be used by a wide range of researchers.
Scientists from Rice University have found that a graphene matrix separated by boron nanotube columns could be used to store hydrogen in automobiles.

The Department of Energy is setting the benchmark in storage materials to make hydrogen fuel a practical option for light vehicles. A new computational study by materials scientist Rouzbeh Sharsavari of Rice Lab has determined that pillared Boron Nitride and Graphene may be suitable candidates.

Shahsavari's lab determined the elastic and columnar graphene structures by computer simulation, and then processed the boron nanotubes to create a mixture that simulates an unique three-dimensional structural design. (A sample boron nanotubes that are seamlessly bonded with graphene is prepared.

As the pillars of the building provide space between floors for people, so do the pillars within the graphene made from boron-nitride. The goal is to keep them inside and then exit when needed.

The researchers discovered that the latest simulations of molecular dynamics showed that pillared carbon nitride and graphene have a high surface area (approximately 2,547 sq. m. per sq. m.) as well as good recyclability in ambient conditions. Their model shows adding oxygen or lithium will improve the material's ability to combine with hydrogen.

The researchers focused their simulations around four different variants, including a graphene pillared with boron or lithium doped boron or nitride.

The best graphene at room temperature was oxygen-doped boron oxide skeletons.

The material's hydrogen weight was 14.77% in cold weather at -321 Fahrenheit.

The current US Department of Energy economic storage media goal is to store more hydrogen than 5.5% in weight and 40 grams of hydrogen per liter under moderate conditions. The ultimate target is 7.5% weight and 70 gram per liter.

Shahsavari explained that the hydrogen atoms adsorb on pillared, undoped graphene. When the material has been doped with oxygen the atoms bind strongly to the mixture. This produces a surface that is better for hydrogen.

He explained that adding oxygen to the substrate would create a strong bond due to the nature of charge and interaction. "Oxygen, and hydrogen have been known to share a strong chemical affinity."

Shahsavari explained that the polarization characteristics of boron Nitride combined with graphene, and the electron mobilities of graphene themselves make the material highly adaptable in application.

Shahsavari explains that "we are looking for the best point" which is the ideal balance between surface area, weight and material as well as the operating temperature and pressure. This is only possible through computational modeling. We can test several changes at once. In just a couple of days, the experimenter is able to finish the work that would normally take months.

He said these structures are strong enough to easily surpass the requirements of Department of Energy. The hydrogen fuel tank, for example, can withstand up to 1,500 charging and discharge cycles.

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