Enhanced hydrogen storage performance of Cu3(BTC)2 in situ inserted with few-layer silicon-based nanosheets

Silicon-based nanosheets (SNS) were synthesised via a mild (60 °C) and time-saving (8 h) modified topochemical method. Then, Cu3(BTC)2 and SNS@Cu3(BTC)2 were successfully synthesised by microwave irradiation, and their characteristics and hydrogen storage performance were analysed by multiple techniques. The accordion-like SNS exhibited void spaces, a unique low buckled structure, and ultrathin, almost transparent, loosely stacked layers with a high specific surface area (362 m2/g). After in-situ synthesis with Cu3(BTC)2, the SNS compound achieved a high specific surface area (1526 m2/g), outstanding hydrogen storage performance (5.6 wt%), and a desirable hydrogen diffusion coefficient (10−7). Thus, SNS doping improved the hydrogen storage performance of Cu3(BTC)2 by 64% through electron transfer reactions with Cu enabled by the unique composite nanostructure of SNS@Cu3(BTC)2. This study presents a promising method of synthesising SNS and porous composite materials for hydrogen storage.