Bonding states of hydrogen for supported Ti clusters on pristine and defective graphene

To determine whether graphene-supported Ti clusters can synergistically store hydrogen through Kubas and spillover effect, we systematically investigate the growth pattern of Ti_n (n = 1–10) clusters on pristine and defective graphene and analyze multiple types of bonding states of hydrogen in detail. For pristine graphene, the most stable Ti_n (n = 1–10) clusters are the quasi-planar structure except for supported Ti₄ and Ti₅. The Ti dissociation energies and the binding energy of Ti_n clusters gradually increase with increasing n, which indicates that larger Ti_n clusters tend to form. Efficient spillover will occur on single-site Ti Catalysts at low hydrogen concentration due to the lower hydrogen spillover energy barrier (3.05 eV), while the energy barrier of hydrogen migration from Tin (n = 2–7) clusters to graphene on the cluster is 5.34–6.82 eV. The Ti: H ratio is a maximum of 1:8 for the single-site Ti catalyst, while decreases with the Tin cluster increases. Therefore, the pristine graphene-supported Ti nanoclusters are more suitable as substrates for hydrogen adsorbent rather than spillover. The introduced defects make Ti_n clusters have three-dimensional conical configurations from n = 4. Ti₃ and Ti₆ are the most stable clusters. Moreover, the migration energy barriers of H atoms on them decrease from 6.54 eV to 6.82 eV–4.32 eV and 3.42 eV, respectively. Our results explain recent experimental phenomena [Appl Phys Lett 2015; 106: 083,901. ACS Energy Lett 2022; 7 (7): 2297–2303] in depth at the molecular level.     

First-principles predictions of potential hydrogen storage materials: Novel sandwich-type ethylene dimetallocene complexes

The hydrogen storage capacities of a sandwich-type ethylene dimetallocene complex (Cp₂Ti₂C₂H₄) are studied using first-principles calculations. It is found that the TiC₂H₄Ti molecule can intercalate into the two cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings and form a stable sandwich-type complex. Each Ti atom can adsorb a maximum of three H₂ molecules, which corresponds to a gravimetric storage capacity of 4.73 wt%. This hydrogen storage capacity is close to the 2015 target of 5.5% set by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in 2009. Furthermore, the Cp₂Ti₂C₂H₄ molecule proposed in this paper is favorable for both adsorption and desorption of hydrogen molecules at room temperature and ambient pressure because its average binding energy of 0.34 eV/H₂.     

Light and stable LinB14(n=1–5) clusters for high capacity hydrogen storage at room temperature: A DFT study

In this article, we have explored the hydrogen (H₂) storage capacity of the Li doped B clusters Li_nB₁₄(n = 1–5) using density functional theory (DFT). The geometrical and Bader's topological parameters indicate that the clusters adsorb H₂ in the molecular form. The Li atom polarises the H₂ molecules for their effective adsorption on the clusters. The Li_nB₁₄ (n = 1–5) clusters are found to be stable even after H₂ adsorption at room temperature. The average adsorption energy is found to be in the range of 0.12–0.14 eV/H₂. Among the various clusters, the Li₅B₁₄ shows maximum H₂ storage capacity (13.89 wt%) at room temperature. The ADMP simulation reveals that within few femtoseconds (fs), the H₂ molecules begin to move away from the clusters and within 400 fs most of the H₂ molecules moved away from the clusters.     

Defect and interstitial B synergistically promote the stability and H2 dissociation of Pd6 supported by graphene

As a potential hydrogenation catalyst, palladium nanoparticles supported by graphene encounter three major problems: transition metal agglomeration, interstitial H atom, and the competition between desorption of H₂ and Pd_n-H_x complex from graphene sheet. In this paper, defects and interstitial B are used to promote the stability and H₂ dissociation of Pd₆ supported by graphene. The introduction of defects increases the binding energy of Pd, Pd₆ and Pd₆B to graphene by a factor of 5–7 and 7–9 before and after hydrogen adsorption, respectively. It indicates that defects can effectively avoid the desorption competition between Pd_nH_x and hydrogen molecules. Moreover, the energy barrier of dissociation for the first hydrogen molecule on Pd₆B/C₄₉ is 0.49 eV, which is lower than 0.75 eV on Pd₆/C₄₉ and 0.69 eV on Ti₆/C₄₉.     

Revealing the interfacial phenomenon of metal-hydride formation and spillover effect on C48H16 sheet by platinum metal catalyst (Pt (n=1-4)) for hydrogen storage enhancement

Hydrogen is a worldwide green energy carrier, however due its low storage capacity, it has yet to be widely used as an energy carrier. Therefore, the quantum chemical method is being employed in this investigation for better understand the hydrogen storage behaviour on Pt _(n = 1-4) cluster decorated C₄₈H₁₆ sheet. The Pt_(n = 1-4) clusters are strongly bonded on the surface of C₄₈H₁₆ sheet with binding energies of ?3.06, ?4.56, ?3.37, and ?4.03 eV respectively, while the charge transfer from Pt_(n = 1-4) to C₄₈H₁₆ leaves an empty orbital in Pt atom, which will be crucial for H₂ adsorption. Initially, the molecular hydrogen is adsorbed on Pt_(n = 1-4) decorated C₄₈H₁₆ sheet through the Kubas interaction with adsorption energies of ?0.85, ?0.66, ?0.72, and ?0.57 eV respectively, while H–H bond is elongated due to the transfer of electron from σ (HH) orbital to unfilled d orbital of the Pt atom, resulting in a Kubas metal-dihydrogen complexes. Furthermore, the dissociative hydrogen atoms adsorbed on Pt_(n = 1-4) decorated C₄₈H₁₆ sheet have adsorption energies of ?1.14 eV, ?1.02 eV, ?0.95 eV, and ?1.08 eV, which are greater than the molecular hydrogen adsorption on Pt_(n = 1-4) cluster supported C₄₈H₁₆ sheet with lower activation energy of 0.007, 0.109, 0.046, and 0.081 eV respectively. To enhance the dissociative hydrogen adsorption energy, positive and negative external electric fields are applied in the charge transfer direction. Increasing the positive electric field makes H–H bond elongation and good adsorption, whereas increasing the negative electric field results H–H bond contraction and poor adsorption. Thus, by applying a sufficient electric field, the H₂ adsorption and desorption processes are can be easily tailored.     

Sc/Ti decorated novel C24N24 cage: Promising hydrogen storage materials

Inspired by the TM?N₄ coordination environment and the promising hydrogen adsorption property of the Ti–C₄ unit, four novel TM₆C₂₄N₂₄ (TM = Sc, Ti) cages with six TM?N₄/TM?C₄ units are designed simultaneously for the first time in this paper. Their stabilities are studied by using DFT calculations and confirmed by MD simulations. Sc₆C₂₄N₂₄(N₄) and Ti₆C₂₄N₂₄(N₄) can absorb 30 hydrogen molecules and keep the original structures intact. The average hydrogen adsorption energy is 0.13–0.26 eV for Sc₆C₂₄N₂₄(N₄)-6nH₂ (n = 1–5), and 0.09–0.23 eV for Ti₆C₂₄N₂₄(N₄)-6nH₂ (n = 1–5). The hydrogen storage capacities are 6.30 wt % and 6.20 wt %, respectively. Besides, the 30H₂ can be readily adsorbed on Sc₆C₂₄N₂₄(N₄) under 160 K and 100% desorbed at 270 K under 0.1 MPa. The desorption temperature could increase if the pressure becomes higher. Sc₆C₂₄N₂₄(C₄)/Ti₆C₂₄N₂₄(C₄) complexes are higher in energy than corresponding Sc₆C₂₄N₂₄(N₄)/Ti₆C₂₄N₂₄(N₄). They are not suitable as room-temperature hydrogen storage materials due to the structural deformation in the hydrogen storage process.     

Effects of transition metal Ti and its compounds on hydrogen adsorption performance of Mg17Al12

Catalytic effects of Ti, Ti_n (n = 2–4), TiC, and TiO₂ clusters on hydrogenation of the Mg17Al12(110) surface were investigated by using density functional theory. The geometry structure, adsorption energy, dissociation barrier, density of state, electron density, and electron density difference were calculated. As a result, the adsorption energy and dissociation barrier of hydrogen on the Ti-containing Mg17Al12(110) surfaces were effectively improved as compared with the clean Mg17Al12(110) surface. Such as the adsorption energy of H(H2) on the Mg17Al12(110) surface was ?0.18 (?0.13) eV, while the related energy of H(H2) on the Mg17Al12(110)/TiO2 system was ?1.50 (?1.22) eV. In addition, H2 molecules could be spontaneously dissociated to H atoms on the Mg15Ti2Al12(110), Mg17Al12(110)/Ti3, and Mg17Al12(110)/TiO2 surfaces. The results of electronic structures indicated that the H s states principally hybridized with the Ti s and d states. The mechanism of Ti, Ti_n (n = 2–4), TiC, and TiO2 clusters on the promoted hydrogenation of Mg17Al12 was explained.     

A single tiny Tin(O2)n cluster decorated an ultra-small boron nitride nanotube for hydrogen storage material: A density functional theory study

The adsorption of hydrogen (H₂) on tiny titanium dioxide Ti_n(O₂)_n clusters where n = 1, 2 and 3 decorated a (5, 5) ultra-small boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) is studied theoretically using the density functional theory calculation. Ti_n(O₂)_n/BNNT is very stable and it can hold a large number of H₂ molecules while maintaining its stability. That H₂ adsorption on Ti_n(O₂)_n/BNNT/BNNT shifts the geometry of Ti_n(O₂)_n/BNNT as the number of H₂ molecules adsorbed on its surface increased. For example, the bond between N–O increases while the bond between the H atoms in the H₂ molecules shortens. Furthermore, the local density of states (LDOS), crystal orbital overlaps population (COOP), and charge distribution analysis all confirm that H₂ formed a bond with TiO₂/BNNT. Thus, we can conclude that Ti_n(O₂)_n/BNNT is a promising material for hydrogen storage.     

Hydrogen storage of dual-Ti-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes

The hydrogen adsorption capacity of dual-Ti-doped (7, 7) single-walled carbon nanotube (Ti-SWCNTs) has been studied by the first principles calculations. Ti atoms show different characters at different locations due to local doping environment and patterns. The dual-Ti-doped SWCNTs can stably adsorb up to six H₂ molecules through Kubas interaction at the Ti₂ active center. The intrinsic curvature and the different doping pattern of Ti-SWCNTs induce charge discrepancy between these two Ti atoms, and result in different hydrogen adsorption capacity. Particularly, eight H₂ molecules can be adsorbed on both sides of the dual-Ti decorated SWCNT with ideal adsorption energy of 0.198 eV/H₂, and the physisorption H₂ on the inside Ti atom has desirable adsorption energy of 0.107 eV/H₂, ideal for efficient reversible storage of hydrogen. The synergistic effect of Ti atoms with different doping patterns enhances the hydrogen adsorption capacity 4.5H₂s/Ti of the Ti-doped SWCNT (VIII), and this awaits experimental trial.     

Lithium clusters on graphene surface and their ability to adsorb hydrogen molecules

This research describes the theoretical study of the adsorption of lithium clusters on graphene and the ability to capture hydrogen molecules. The results of the studied structures showed that the [Li₁C₅₄H₁₈]⁺ system is capable of accepting three hydrogen molecules showing adsorption energies of 0.12 eV. On the other hand, it is important to note that in [Li_nC₅₄H₁₈] n = 2–6 systems, the lithium atoms that do not interact with the graphene surface, they can adsorb up to four hydrogen molecules. The [Li₆C₅₄H₁₈]4H₂ system presented a higher adsorption energy value of 0.31 eV. Finally, the Li–H₂ interactions were characterized by a NBO analysis, which showed that hydrogen atoms are the donors and lithium atoms are the acceptors.     

Ti decorated heterocyclic rings for hydrogen storage

This study uses first-principles calculations to investigate and compare the hydrogen storage properties of Ti doped benzene (C₆H₆Ti) and Ti doped borazine (B₃N₃H₆Ti) complexes. C₆H₆Ti and B₃N₃H₆Ti complex each can adsorb four H₂ molecules, but the former has a 0.11 wt% higher H₂ uptake capacity than the latter. Ti atoms bind to C₆H₆ more strongly than B₃N₃H₆. The hydrogen adsorption energies with Gibbs free energy correction for C₆H₆Ti and B₃N₃H₆Ti complexes are 0.17 and 0.45 eV, respectively, indicating reversible hydrogen adsorption. The hydrogen adsorption properties of C₆H₆Ti have also been studied after boron (B) and nitrogen (N) atom substitutions. Several B and N substituted structures between C₆H₆Ti and B₃N₃H₆Ti with different boron and nitrogen concentration and at different positions were considered. Initially, one boron and one nitrogen atom is substituted for two carbon atoms of benzene at three different positions and three different structures are obtained. Seven structures are possible when four carbon atoms of benzene are replaced by two boron and two nitrogen atoms at different positions. The hydrogen storage capacity of the C₆H₆Ti complex increases as boron and nitrogen atom concentrations increases. The positions of substituted boron and nitrogen atoms have less impact on H₂ uptake capacity for the same B and N concentration. The position and concentration of B and N affects the H₂ adsorption energy as well as the temperature and pressure range for thermodynamically favorable H₂ adsorption. The H₂ desorption temperature for all the complexes is found to be higher than 250 K indicates the stronger binding of H₂ molecules with these complexes.     

Enhancement of hydrogen storage capacity on co-functionalized GaS monolayer under external electric field

Hydrogen storage properties of co-functionalized 2D GaS monolayer have been systematically investigated by first-principles calculations. The strength of the binding energy of hydrogen (H₂) molecules to the pristine GaS surface shows the physisorption interactions. Co-functionalized GaS sheet by Li, Na, K and Ca atoms enhanced the capacity of binding energies of hydrogen and strength of hydrogen storage considerably. Besides, DFT calculations show that there is no structural deformation during H₂ desorption from co-functionalized GaS surface. The binding energies of per H₂ molecules is found to be 0.077 eV for pristine GaS surface and 0.064 eV–0.37 eV with the co-functionalization of GaS surface. Additionally, in the presence of applied external electric field enhanced the strength of binding energies and it is found to be 0.09 eV/H₂ for pristine GaS case and 0.19 eV/H₂ to 0.38 eV/H₂ for co-functionalized GaS surface. Among the studied GaS monolayer is found to be the superior candidate for hydrogen storage purposes. The theoretical studies suggest that the electronic properties of the 2D GaS monolayer show the electrostatic behavior of hydrogen molecules which confirms by the interactions between adatoms and hydrogen molecules before and after hydrogen adsorption.     

Study on the hydrogen storage performance of graphene(N)–Sc–graphene(N) structure

The electronic properties of a sandwich graphene(N)–Sc–graphene(N) structure and its average adsorption energies after the adsorption of 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14H₂ molecules were investigated by first principles. The average binding energies and adsorption distances of Sc atoms at different adsorption sites in N-doped bilayer graphene (N–BLG) were calculated. It was found that Sc atoms located at different adsorption sites of BLG generated metal clusters. The binding energy of the Sc atom located at the TT position of N–BLG (5.19 eV) was higher than the experimental cohesion energy (3.90 eV), and eliminated the impact of metal clusters on adsorption properties. It was found that the G(N)–Sc–G(N) system could stably adsorb 10 hydrogen molecules with an average adsorption energy of 0.24 eV. Therefore, it can be speculated that G(N)–Sc–G(N) is an excellent hydrogen storage material.     

The effect of functional groups (O,F, or OH) on reversible hydrogen storage properties of Ti2X (X=C or N) monolayer

The effect of functional groups (O, F, or OH) on the hydrogen storage properties of Ti₂X (X = C or N) monolayer was systematically investigated by first-principles calculations. The results show that the reversible hydrogen storage capacity of Ti₂X(OH)₂ monolayer is approximately 2.7 wt%, which is larger than that of Ti₂XO₂ and Ti₂XF₂ monolayers. The binding energy of the OH group at the F site is stronger than H atom. Thus, H₂ molecules will not be dissociated on Ti₂X(OH)₂ monolayer. At this time, the loss of 1.8 wt% hydrogen storage capacity is not produced in Ti₂X(OH)₂ monolayer. Furthermore, the PDOS, the population analysis, and the electron density difference explore that electron transfer appears between Ti and the second layer H₂ molecules on Ti₂X(OH)₂ monolayer, and a Dewar-Kubas interaction lies between second layer H₂ molecules and Ti₂X(OH)₂ monolayer. For Ti₂X(OH)₂ monolayer, the molecular dynamic simulation indicates that the H₂ molecules by Dewar-Kubas interaction sable adsorption at 300 K, and desorption at 400 K. Therefore, Ti₂X(OH)₂ is appropriate for reversible hydrogen sorbent storage materials under ambient conditions.     

Hydrogen capability of bimetallic boron cycles: A DFT and ab initio MD study

Bimetallic boron cycle, B₆C₂TM₂ (TM = scandium, titanium), was recently predicted to have high stability and aromaticity. The hydrogen capabilities of these clusters were studied in the present work. Our computational results indicate that the gravimetric hydrogen uptake capacity of B₆C₂Sc₂ and B₆C₂Ti₂ and clusters are 11.7% and 11.4%, respectively. The adsorption energies of H₂ molecules on B₆C₂Sc₂ and B₆C₂Ti₂ clusters are predicted with different calculational schemes to meet the criteria of reversible hydrogen storage. The interaction of H₂ with B₆C₂Ti₂ cluster is a little stronger than that with B₆C₂Sc₂. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations indicate that H₂ molecules can be efficiently released from the metal sites of B₆C₂TM₂ clusters at room temperature. The bulk-like B₆C₂Sc₂ and B₆C₂Ti₂ tetramer can also efficiently adsorb H₂ molecules.     

Structural,electronic and spectral properties referring to hydrogen storage capacity in binary alloy ScBn (n = 1–12) clusters

Based on the DFT calculations within GGA approximation, we have systematically studied the ScB_n (n = 1–12) clusters and their hydrogen storage properties. The results show that the maximal adsorption for H₂ molecules is ScB₇ 6H₂ structure with the hydrogen storage mass fraction about 9.11%. For ScB_n·mH₂ clusters as n = 7 or 9–12, the average binding energies between 0.202 and 0.924 eV are suggestively conducive to hydrogen storage. In these medium clusters, the moderate adsorption strength can benefit application of hydrogen energy owning to easily adsorption and dissociation on H₂ molecules at room temperature and 1 bar pressure. Furthermore, the absorption spectrum is also investigated from TDDFT calculation. An obvious red-shift of spectral lines at 4.2 eV or 5.6 eV is detected with the increase of number of H₂ molecules. It can be regard as ‘fingerprint’ spectrum in experiment to indicate adsorption capacity of H₂ molecules for ScB_n·mH₂ nanostructures.     

Density functional theory study on hydrogen storage capacity of metal-embedded penta-octa-graphene

H₂ storage capabilities of penta-octa-graphene (POG) adorned by lightweight alkali metals (Li, Na, K), alkali earth metals (Be, Mg, Ca) and transition metals (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn) are studied by density functional theory. Metals considered, with the exception of Be and Mg, can be stably adsorbed to POG, effectively avoiding metal clustering. The average H₂ adsorption energies are calculated in a range from 0.14 to 0.95 eV for Li (Na, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn) decorated POG. Because the H₂ adsorption energies for reversible physical adsorption lie in the range of 0.15–0.60 eV and the desorption temperatures fall in the range of 233–333 K under the delivery pressure, 4Li@POG and 2Ti@POG are found to be the most suitable for H₂ storage at ambient temperature. By polarization and hybridization mechanisms, up to 3 and 5 hydrogen molecules are stably adsorbed around each Li and Ti, respectively. The H₂ gravimetric densities can reach up to 9.9 wt% and 6.5 wt% for Li and Ti decorated POG, respectively. Our findings suggest that, with metal decoration, such a novel two-dimensional carbon-based structure could be a promising medium for H₂ storage.     

The enhancement of hydrogen storage capacity in Li,Na and Mg-decorated BC3 graphene by CLICH and RICH algorithms

New hydrogen adsorption states on Li, Na, and Mg-decorated graphene-type BC₃ sheet have been investigated by first-principles calculations. The structural, electronic and binding properties, metal binding and nH₂ (n = 1–10) adsorption states of these systems are studied in detail with the Mulliken analysis, charge density differences, and partial density of states. To enhance the number of the adsorbed H₂ molecules per metal atom, and also to generate the better initial coordinates for reducing the simulation time, we present two masthematical algorithms (CLICH and RICH). The tested results on BC₃ sheet and boron-doped graphene (C₃₀B₂) show that these algorithms can increase the number of adsorbed hydrogen molecules by minimizing the computational time. It is seen that nH₂ (n = 1–10) adsorbed Li,/Na and/Mg-decorated BC₃ single- and double-sided systems are industrial materials for hydrogen storage technology, their adsorption energies fall into the acceptable adsorption energy range (0.20–0.60 eV/H₂). It is concluded from the optimized geometries and charge density differences for the higher number of H₂ adsorbed systems that not only decorated metal atom but also the sheet plays an important role in hydrogen storage process, because the boron atoms in the sheet expand the induced electric field between the adatoms and BC₃ sheet. From Mulliken analysis, there is a charge transfer mechanism between H₂ molecules and metal atoms. Moreover, the resonant peaks for the sheet, metal atoms and H₂ molecules in partial density of states curves indicate the possible hybridizations. Additionally, these adsorption processes are supported by charge density difference plots.     

C2H2M (M = Ti,Li) complex: A possible hydrogen storage material

The hydrogen storage capacity of Ti-acetylene (C₂H₂Ti) and Li-acetylene (C₂H₂Li) complex has been tested using second order Møller Plesset method with different basis sets. Single Ti(Li) decorated acetylene complex can adsorb maximum of five(four) hydrogen molecules, which corresponds to the gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity of 12(19.65) wt % and it meets the target of 9 wt % by 2015 specified by US Department of Energy. The hydrogen adsorption energies with zero point energy and Gibbs free energy correction show that hydrogen adsorption on C₂H₂Ti is energetically favourable for a wide range of temperature and that is unfavourable on C₂H₂Li complex even at a very low temperature. Atom centered density matrix propagation molecular dynamics simulations reveal that four H₂ molecules remain adsorbed on C₂H₂Ti complex at 300 K. Though H₂ uptake capacity of C₂H₂Li complex is higher than that of C₂H₂Ti complex, the thermochemistry results favour to C₂H₂Ti complex over C₂H₂Li complex as a possible hydrogen storage media.