Phosphorous-doped porous carbon derived from paste of newly growing Ficus benghalensis as hydrogen storage material

Abstract

The synthesis of heteroatom (P)-doped porous carbon derived from the paste of newly growing Indian banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is described. The synthesis involves activation, carbonization and phosphorous-doping processes using H₃PO₄ as activating agent and as phosphorous source. The phosphorous-doped porous carbon material shows a wafer-like morphology with specific surface area of 1406 m²/g. This material exhibits hydrogen storage capacity of ~1.2 wt% at 298 K and 100 bar. This easily prepared carbon material is promising for realistic hydrogen storage.