Nanosize-induced hydrogen storage and capacity control in a non-hydride-forming element: rhodium

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Jul 27;133(29):11034-7. doi: 10.1021/ja2027772. Epub 2011 Jul 1.

Abstract

We report the first example of nanosize-induced hydrogen storage in a metal that does not absorb hydrogen in its bulk form. Rhodium particles with diameters of <10 nm were found to exhibit hydrogen-storage capability, while bulk Rh does not absorb hydrogen. Hydrogen storage was confirmed by in situ powder X-ray diffraction, solid-state (2)H NMR, and hydrogen pressure-composition isotherm measurements. The hydrogen absorption capacity could be tuned by controlling the particle size.