Synthesis and characterization of ordered porous carbons with potential applications as hydrogen storage media

Several ordered mesoporous and microporous carbons have been obtained via casting procedures, using either mesoporous silicas (SBA-15 or MCM-48) or a commercial zeolite (Na–Y) as inorganic templates. In all cases, carbon replica retained the inorganic template morphology. Micro-Raman spectra showed that rather homogeneous powders are obtained, exhibiting a consistently graphitized carbon phase along with an amorphous one, notwithstanding the relatively low temperature adopted during carbonization processes (at most 1273 K). N2 adsorption isotherms at 77 K allowed the determination of BET surface areas and pore volumes: because of high porosity and low specific weight, these carbon materials are promising media for hydrogen storage. In particular, the zeolite carbon replica gave the highest hydrogen uptake at 77 K, as measured at sub-atmospheric pressures.