Can Intercalation of Hydrogen Ions Solve the Problem of Hydrogen Storage?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of intercalation, particularly in the context of hydrogen storage and its potential to solve related challenges. Participants explore the differences between intercalation of ions and atoms, and the implications for hydrogen storage technologies, including comparisons to lithium-ion batteries and proton-polymer batteries.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that finding a material capable of intercalating hydrogen ions at a similar ratio to lithium ions in silicon could address hydrogen storage issues.
  • Others express uncertainty about the term 'intercalation,' suggesting it may be more commonly associated with coordination in chemistry.
  • One participant notes that the action of lithium-ion batteries is based on intercalation, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the terminology used.
  • There is mention of a proton-polymer battery that utilizes proton intercalation, which currently has high power density but low energy density, raising questions about the challenges of proton intercalation versus material selection.
  • Some participants argue that the term 'intercalation' is appropriate in the context of lithium-ion batteries, while others advocate for the use of 'coordination' when discussing metal ions or protons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the terminology surrounding intercalation versus coordination, and there are differing views on the implications for hydrogen storage technologies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to intercalation in the context of hydrogen storage.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of intercalation and coordination, as well as the specific challenges associated with proton intercalation in comparison to lithium-ion intercalation.

Stanley514
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There exist such interesting issue as intercalation, which seems to allow, for example, to store
4.4 intercalated Li ions per one (!) Silicon atom.The latest is a host material.I think if there will be found a material which would allow to store the same ratio of intercalated hydrogen ions (protons)
per host material,any problem with hydrogen storage would be solved.
Does anybody knows what is difference between intercalation of ions and intercalation of atoms?
Is it different things?Or intercalation of ions is similar to ionic compound such as NCl ?
 
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I don't think I've even heard the term 'intercalation' before (any chemists here know it?), it seems to be a term used for DNA mostly. The usual, more general term is 'coordination'.

Anyway, issues with hydrogen storage usually refer to storing H2, not protons.
 
I don't think I've even heard the term 'intercalation' before

That`s strange.It seems that action of every Li-ion battery is based on this process.
Li ions are intercalated and migrate between different materials.
Some scientist believe that even such thing possible as breathing Li-ion battery.
Instead of migration Li-ions will react with oxigen in air and form Li oxide.
Nanowire battery is based on intercalation of Li ions in Silicon:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/NEA/archive/200008/108677/"
Also there exist proton-polymer battery created by NEC:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/NEA/archive/200008/108677/"
It seems to be based on intercalation of protons.
Currently it has great power density but low energy density.I would be interested to know
if it is problems of protons intercalation or just question of finding proper material.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Stanley514 said:
That`s strange.It seems that action of every Li-ion battery is based on this process.

It's not the physical phenomena I haven't heard of, it's the specific term 'intercalation' to describe it. I would suggest you use the term 'coordination' when talking about metal ions or protons. That's the usual, specific, term for that.
 
In all articles about Li ion batteries I met, this process is mentioned as intercalation,
never as coordination:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery"
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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