Polyetherimide-LaNi5 composite films for hydrogen storage applications.

This study investigates the preparation of polyetherimide (PEI) – LaNi 5 composites films for hydrogen storage. Prior to the polymer addition, LaNi 5 was ball-milled at different conditions (250, 350, and 450 RPM) and annealed at 500 °C for 1 h under vacuum. The composites were produced with BM-LaNi 5 -350 (PEI/LaNi 5 -350) and annealed BM-LaNi 5 -350 (PEI/LaNi 5 -350-TT). Membranes were successfully produced through solvent casting assisted by an ultrasonic bath. The particles dispersion and the film morphology did not change after hydrogenation cycles. In the H 2 sorption experiments at 43 °C and 20 bar, the films stored H 2 without incubation time; both samples reached a capacity of ~0.6 wt%. The H 2 sorption kinetics of PEI/LaNi 5 -350 was comparable to that of BM-LaNi 5 -350, whereas PEI/LaNi 5 -350-TT presented significantly slower kinetics. LaNi 5 oxidation was hindered by PEI, showing that it can be explored to improve metal hydrides air resistance. The results demonstrated that PEI films filled with LaNi 5 are promising materials for hydrogen storage. [Display omitted] • PEI/LaNi 5 composite films are mechanically resistant and flexible. • The composites stored up to 0.6 wt% of H 2 at 43 °C and 20 bar. • PEI immobilized LaNi 5 particles during the hydrogen sorption/desorption cycles. • The polymer hindered LaNi 5 oxidation upon exposure to ambient air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]