Synthesis and H2 uptake of Cu2(OH)3Cl, Cu(OH)2 and CuO nanocrystal aggregate

Monodispersed Cu2(OH)3Cl nanoplatelets, Cu(OH)2 nanowires, CuO nanoparticles and nanoribbons with a spherical morphology were synthesized using hydrothermal and heat-treatment reactions, and their H2 storage characteristics were examined. The Cu2(OH)3Cl nanoplatelets particles formed immediately after mixing the reactant, which subsequently formed larger uniform spherical particles in the submicron range. This procedure highlights a practical strategy for producing spherical Cu(OH)2 and CuO materials consisting of monodispersed nanocrystals. The spherical aggregates of Cu2(OH)3Cl nanoplatelets heat-treated at 473 K could reversibly store up to 2.35 wt.% H2 at 38 bar and 293 K.