Development of graphene aerogel nanocomposites for hydrogen storage

Abstract

The transition toward clean and sustainable energy solutions has accelerated interest in advanced hydrogen storage materials. This thesis focuses on the development and characterization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels as potential candidates for efficient hydrogen storage. The rGO aerogels were synthesized via a modified hydrothermal reduction method followed by freeze-drying, resulting in ultralight structures with highly porous 3D architectures. A suite of characterization techniques was employed to evaluate the material's suitability for gas adsorption. BET analysis revealed a high surface area (>500 m²/g), while BJH pore analysis confirmed a dominant mesoporous network favorable for physisorption. SEM imaging demonstrated an open, interconnected nanosheet morphology, supporting enhanced diffusion kinetics. XRD patterns indicated partial graphitization with amorphous features, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a high defect density—both contributing to increased adsorption activity. Overall, the structural and textural properties of the synthesized rGO aerogel suggest strong potential for application in ambient-condition hydrogen storage systems, paving the way for further optimization in clean energy technologies.