Boron Nitride Nanomaterials for Gas Storage and Separation Using Mechanochemistry

2D h-BN, also known as white graphene, has a similar honeycomb structure to graphene, with alternating boron and nitrogen atoms consisting of strong sp²covalent in-plane bonding and weak van der Waal forces between layers. h-BN has unique properties; it is a lubricant due to its layered structure. BN is an electrical insulator (with a bandgap of approximately 5.9eV )at the same thermally conductive and also has high mechanical strength, large thermal conductivity and low dielectric constant. Hydrogen is increasingly being touted as one sustainable solution to globe clean energy problem. But one of the main challenges is the lack of a safe and cost-effective storage and transport technique. Solid-state storage technology is considered to overcome this challenge by storing enormous quantities of gases in solid materials. Currently, hydrogen storage and transport happen majorly in three ways, compressed gas and carrier gas then decompose. Due to reasons of material properties and operating costs, large amounts of gaseous hydrogen are usually not stored at pressures exceeding 100 bar in aboveground vessels and 200 bar in underground storages [1]. Currently commercially available have utilized an onboard storage pressure of 700 bar, but storage tanks capable of storing hydrogen at such pressures are expensive. To decompose ammonia to form hydrogen, transport losses are 34-36% [2]. And Liquid hydrogen storage needs an extremely low boiling point of hydrogen (-253°C at 1 bar) which is energy intensive and expensive. Thus, urgent need to find alternative and sustainable ways to store hydrogen gases. In this, we discuss possible and sustainable and safe ways of storing and transporting hydrogen in powder form. This talk will provide insights on the mechanochemical approach to store and separate various gases.<br/><br/>[1]. Y. Cao, J. Renewable Mater., 2021, doi: 10.32604/jrm.2021.015722<br/>[2].https://www.edisongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Finding-the-sea-of-green230721-3.pdf