D SILAMBARASAN
@mdthinducollege.org
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PHYSICS
THE MADURAI DIRAVIYAM THAYUMANAVAR HINDU COLLEGE, TIRUNELVELI
RESEARCH INTERESTS
* Fabrication of hydrogen storage materials using nanotechnology
* Interaction of nanomaterials with energetic ions
* Synthesis of thin films
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
V. Selvam, R. Sarika, D. Silambarasan, S. Sofiya Lawrence Mary, and K.S. Prakash
Elsevier
C Anantha Prabhu, D Silambarasan, R Sarika, and V Selvam
Elsevier BV
M. Muniyalakshmi, K. Sethuraman, and D. Silambarasan
Elsevier BV
Abstract Graphite is a 3-dimension carbon based material made up of millions of layers of graphene. By the oxidation of graphite using strong oxidizing agents, oxygenated functionalities are introduced in the graphite structure which not only expand the layer separation, but also make the material get dispersed in water. This property enables the graphite oxide to be exfoliated in water using sonication, ultimately producing single or few layer graphene known as graphene oxide (GO). This remains as a very important property when mixing the material with ceramic or polymer materials and trying to improve their electrical and mechanical properties. In this work, Graphene Oxide nanosheets was synthesized by modified hummer’s method. Materials such as graphite power, H2SO4 and KMnO4 solution was used as precursors. The solution formed by the precursors after desired experimental conditions was filtered and washed. Then the suspension was centrifuged and dried which resulted in Graphene Oxide nanosheets. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR and SEM analyses.
D. Silambarasan, V.J. Surya, V. Vasu, K. Iyakutti, T.R. Ravindran, and M. Jeyanthinath
Elsevier BV
Abstract In this work, hydrogen storage property of single walled carbon nanotubes-tungsten trioxide (SWCNTs-WO 3 ) composite is investigated. The composite is prepared and hydrogenated by electron beam (e-beam) evaporation technique. Hydrogenation is carried out during the preparation of the composite itself. The amount of hydrogen uptake by the composite is 2.7 wt%, which is due to the collective adsorption of hydrogen by CNTs and WO 3 nanostructured materials, the method of preparation and hydrogenation involved. The incorporated hydrogen is completely (100%) released in the temperature range of 175–305 °C which in turn infers that the hydrogenated composite is stable at room temperature. The stored hydrogen has the average binding energy of 0.4 eV and the nature of binding is found to be weak chemisorption. Spillover mechanism is attributed for the hydrogen uptake of the composite.
D. Silambarasan, V.J. Surya, K. Iyakutti, K. Asokan, V. Vasu, and Y. Kawazoe
Elsevier BV
Abstract A study on hydrogen uptake performance of Gamma (γ)-ray irradiated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was conducted. Initially, the MWCNTs was irradiated by γ-rays emitted from 27 Co 60 source with different doses of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kGy in air at ambient conditions. Irradiation at lower doses of 25 and 50 kGy improves the graphitic order of MWCNTs, but higher doses of 100 and 150 kGy introduces structural imperfection and at very high dose of 200 kGy, the structure becomes distorted. Thermogravimetry (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, I-V measurements, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirm the changes in MWCNTs caused by irradiation. Further, the γ-irradiated MWCNTs was hydrogenated and the MWCNTs irradiated at 150 kGy exhibits a considerable hydrogen storage capacity of 1.2 wt.% at 100 °C and ambient pressure, while the MWCNTs irradiated at lower doses does not show any trace of hydrogenation. Raman and elemental analyses provide the evidence for hydrogenation.
D. Silambarasan, M. Kanmani, K. Iyakutti, M. Jeyanthinath, T.R. Ravindran, and V. Vasu
Elsevier BV
Abstract The hydrogen storage capacity of MWCNT–TiO 2 composite has been evaluated in the present work. The composite has been prepared by means of ultrasonication followed by drop casting on substrates. Morphology, structural and functional group studies of the prepared samples are carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Then, the samples are hydrogenated in the hydrogenation chamber as a function of time. Hydrogen storage capacity of the composite sample is found to be 0.9 wt% at 100 °C. Hydrogen uptake of the composite is accounted for the spillover mechanism in CNTs–metal oxide composite. Desorption temperature range, activation energy of desorption, binding energy of hydrogen are determined from thermogravimetric (TG) analysis.
D. Silambarasan, K. Iyakutti, K. Asokan, and V. Vasu
AIP Publishing LLC
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were irradiated by Gamma (γ)-rays in air with absorbed doses of 25 and 50 kGy. As a result of γ-ray irradiation, the inter-wall distance of MWCNTs was decreased and their graphitic order was improved. The reduction in inter-wall distance and structural ordering was improved with the increasing dosage of irradiation. Experimental evidences are provided by powder XRD and micro-Raman analyses.
D. Silambarasan, K. Iyakutti, and V. Vasu
Elsevier BV
Abstract Experimental investigation of functionalization of oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes (OSWCNTs) with three nucleic acid bases such as uracil, guanine, thymine and one amino acid, l -alanine is carried out. Initially, the SWCNTs are oxidized by acid treatment. Further, the oxidized SWCNTs are effectively functionalized with aforementioned biological compounds by ultrasonication. The diameter of OSWCNTs has increased after the adsorption of biological compounds. The cumulative Π–Π stacking, hydrogen bond and polar interaction are the key factors to realize the adsorption. The amount of adsorption of each biological compound is estimated. The adsorption of guanine is more among all the four biological compounds.
D. Silambarasan, V. Vasu, K. Iyakutti, V.J. Surya, and T.R. Ravindran
Elsevier BV
Abstract In this work, functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based hydrogen storage medium has been designed by the facile drop-casting method. Initially, the commercial single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were purified by standard methods and functionalized with borane (BH 3 ). The morphology of SWCNTs was imaged by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The energy dispersive spectroscopy (ED) shows that the purified SWCNTs are free from elemental impurities. The functional groups in the functionalized SWCNTs were analyzed by fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). Then, the functionalized SWCNTs were hydrogenated in a Seivert like hydrogenation setup for different time duration. Elemental analysis (CHN) combined with thermo gravimetric/thermal desorption spectroscopy (TG/TDS) measurements were used to quantify the amount of hydrogen stored in the functionalized SWCNTs. A maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 4.77 wt% is achieved at 50 °C and the entire (100%) stored hydrogen is released in the temperature range of 90–125 °C. The amount of hydrogen stored in functionalized SWCNTs increases with increasing hydrogenation duration. The entire hydrogenation and dehydrogenation process was probed by Raman and CHN-elemental analyses. The whole hydrogenation and dehydrogenation experiments were stabilized and they were repeatable. The achieved hydrogen storage capacity in this investigation is close to the US DOE target.
M. Kanmani, R. Lavanya, D. Silambarasan, K. Iyakutti, V. Vasu, and Y. Kawazoe
Elsevier BV
Abstract In this first principles study, hydrogen storage capacity of armchair single-walled carbon nanotube (10, 10) functionalized with TiO 2 has been investigated. The functionalized TiO 2 molecules are found to be chemisorbed on CNT (10, 10) with the binding energy of 3.54 eV. The functionalized CNT binds up to six hydrogen molecules. The first hydrogen adsorption is dissociative with the binding energy of 1.51 eV and the further adsorbed hydrogen are weakly chemisorbed on the functionalized system with the elongated bond length of hydrogen. The storage capacity of functionalized SWCNT, desorption temperature and binding energy of hydrogen molecules are evaluated. The system exhibits a maximum storage capacity of 3.64 wt%. The band structure, density of states (DOS) and partial density of states (PDOS) are calculated for the functionalized and hydrogenated SWCNTs. DOS studies reveal that, functionalization and hydrogenation does not affect the metallic nature of CNT.
D. Silambarasan, V. Vasu, and K. Iyakutti
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
In this study, water soluble polymers such as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were chosen as the base material for hydrogen storage with the aim of producing recyclable and water-soluble polymer-based hydrogen storage material. Initially, the polymers were acid treated using concentrated hydrochloric acid (conc. HCl) to incorporate Cl ions into the polymeric matrices. Furthermore, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were added to those acid-treated polymers by means of ultrasonication in an aqueous medium as the composite material to increase the hydrogen adsorption. The homogenous composite solution resulted from ultrasonication was then made in the form of film by using the general spin-coating technique. Then, the composite films were hydrogenated in Seiverts' like hydrogenation setup. The preliminary results on hydrogen storage capability of the polymer-SWCNTs composite materials and desorption temperature range of hydrogen are reported. The prepared composite films exhibit good water-soluble properties and recyclability, i.e., they can be formed and dissolved in water. Hydrogen storage in these acid-treated polymer-SWCNTs composite is reported here for the first time. The presence of Cl ions and the adsorption sites offered by SWCNTs were responsible for hydrogen binding in the composite films. The nature of binding of hydrogen in the composite films was found to be weak chemisorption.
D. Silambarasan, V.J. Surya, K. Iyakutti, and V. Vasu
Elsevier BV
Abstract The composite material made up of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and metal oxide nanostructures have been investigated for hydrogen storage application. The present experimental work deals with the investigation of hydrogen storage in single walled carbon nanotubes-titanium dioxide (SWCNTs-TiO 2 ) composite. The SWCNTs-TiO 2 composite has been made by depositing the pellet containing the mixture of SWCNTs and TiO 2 using electron beam (EB) evaporation technique in hydrogen ambient. The preparation and hydrogenation of the SWCNTs-TiO 2 composite have been done in a single-step. The characterization results expose that the deposition of SWCNTs with TiO 2 material is possible using EB evaporation technique without any significant structural decomposition of SWCNTs. The amount of hydrogen incorporated is found to be 3.2 wt.%, and it is attributed to both the synergetic action of SWCNTs-TiO 2 nanostructures and the method of preparation. The stored hydrogen is found to be released completely in the temperature range of 120–215 °C.
D. Silambarasan, V. J. Surya, V. Vasu, and K. Iyakutti
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Composite material consisting of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and metal oxide nanoparticles has been prepared and their hydrogen storage performance is evaluated. Metal oxides such as tin oxide (SnO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) are chosen as the composite constituents. The composites have been prepared by means of ultrasonication. Then, the composite samples are deposited on alumina substrates and at 100 °C in a Sieverts-like hydrogenation setup. Characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), CHN elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric (TG) measurements are used to analyze the samples at various stages of experiments. Hydrogen storage capacity of the composites namely, SWCNT-SnO2, SWCNT-WO3, and SWCNT-TiO2 are found to be 1.1, 0.9, and 1.3 wt %, respectively. Hydrogenated composite samples are stable at room temperature and desorption of hydrogen is found to be 100% reversible. Desorption temperature ranges and binding energy ranges of hydrogen have been measured from the desorption studies. The hydrogenation, dehydrogenation temperature, and binding energy of hydrogen fall in the recommended range of a suitable hydrogen storage medium applicable for fuel cell applications. Reproducibility and deterioration level of the composite samples have also been examined.
D. Silambarasan, V.J. Surya, V. Vasu, and K. Iyakutti
Elsevier BV
Abstract The present experimental work deals with the investigation of hydrogen uptake study of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs-Ti)-titanium metal composite. The mixture containing SWCNTs and Ti powder is made into tablet by cold pressing. The composite has been prepared and hydrogenated by evaporating the tablet in hydrogen ambient on glass substrates using electron beam (EB) evaporation technique. Efficient hydrogen uptake of 4.74 wt.% is achieved with the composite and the adsorbed hydrogen posses the average hydrogen binding energy of 0.4 eV. The obtained hydrogen uptake is due to the cumulative adsorption of hydrogen by CNTs and Ti nanostructured materials. The physical properties are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction study (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman analysis. Hydrogenation and dehydrogenation behavior of the composite are studied using CHN-elemental analysis and thermo gravimetric/thermal desorption spectroscopy (TG/TDS) studies, respectively. The stored hydrogen is found to be 100% reversible in the temperature range of 160–310 °C.
Duraisamy Silambarasan, Velappa Jayaraman Surya, Veerapandy Vasu, and Kombiah Iyakutti
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
In this work, desorption of hydrogen from hydrogenated single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) functionalized with borane is discussed. A hydrogen storage medium based on SWCNTs functionalized with borane is designed. The SWCNTs are functionalized with borane (BH3) using LiBH4 as the precursor by solution cast method. The functionalized samples are hydrogenated. A storage capacity of 1.5 wt.% is obtained just above room temperature (50°C). The hydrogenated and dehydrogenated samples are characterized using FTIR and Raman studies. The thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) results reveal that the entire amount of (1.5 wt.%) stored hydrogen is released in the temperature range 100 - 150°C. This temperature range is suitable for hydrogen fuel cells used for vehicular applications.
D. Silambarasan, V.J. Surya, V. Vasu, and K. Iyakutti
Elsevier BV
Abstract Hydrogen intake study on single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)-tin oxide (SnO 2 ) nano composite films have been performed. The composite is prepared on glass substrates in hydrogen atmosphere by electron beam evaporation (e-beam) technique. The process of hydrogenation has been done during the preparation of hydrogen storage medium itself, as one-step process. The amount of hydrogen incorporated in the composite is found to be 2.4 wt.%. The entire (100%) amount of stored hydrogen is released in the temperature range of 200–350 °C. The stored hydrogen has weak chemical binding in the SWCNTs-SnO 2 nano composite.
D. Silambarasan, V. Vasu, V. J. Surya, and K. Iyakutti
AIP
The adsorption and desorption of hydrogen in SWCNTs functionalized with borane is investigated experimentally. The SWCNTs are functionalized with borane (BH3) using LiBH4 as the precursor. The functionalized samples are hydrogenated and storage capacities of 3.2 wt.% and 3.8 wt.% are achieved at 50°C. Desorption of hydrogen is carried out by thermal annealing. Experimental evidences are provided by FTIR, CHNS and TG/TDS techniques. From the results it is confirmed that the designed hydrogen storage system is suitable for vehicular fuel cells.
D. Silambarasan, V. Vasu, V. J. Surya, and K. Iyakutti
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
The present experimental study reports on hydrogen desorption behavior of hydrogenated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), functionalized with borane (BH3). Desorption is carried out using a thermal annealing technique. The hydrogenated samples are annealed at 200 °C for 30 min and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy studies. The amount of released hydrogen is measured by thermogravimetric/thermal desorption spectroscopy (TG/TDS) studies. FTIR and Raman studies confirm the desorption of hydrogen. The TG/TDS results reveal that 100% of stored hydrogen is released in approximately 1.5 min in the temperature range 100-150°C.
D. Silambarasan, V. Vasu, V. J. Surya, K. Iyakutti, Alka B. Garg, R. Mittal, and R. Mukhopadhyay
AIP
We have done the experimental investigation of hydrogen storage in functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The SWCNTs having the average diameter of 22 nm are deposited on alumina substrates by drop casting method. The functionalization of SWCNTs with BH3 using LiBH4 as the precursor, over the surface of SWCNTs is done by the same chemical method. Further, the functionalized samples are hydrogenated in the hydrogenation chamber. The samples are characterized through FTIR, XPS and CHNS studies. A hydrogen storage capacity of 0.87 wt % at 100 °C is observed.
I. LAKSHMI, D. SILAMBARASAN, V. J. SURYA, M. RAJARAJESWARI, K. IYAKUTTI, H. MIZUSEKI, and Y. KAWAZOE
World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt
Nature of the interaction potential of different adsorbates on different zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes is investigated. The intermolecular potentials for H2 absorbed in carbon nanotubes (5, 0), (6, 0), (7, 0), (8, 0), (9, 0), and (10, 0) are computed and sketched. This study is extended to N2 adsorbed on (4, 0) and BH3 adsorbed on (10, 0) tubes. The equilibrium positions of the adsorbates obtained from the potential model serve as an initial guess in designing the CNT + adsorbate complex in the simulation cell and this process considerably reduces the computation time. Further, the hydrogen storage capacity of CNT(10,0) + BH3 complex is calculated. The estimated storage capacity of this system is in the range 6–12 wt.%.
D. Silambarasan, V.J. Surya, V. Vasu, and K. Iyakutti
Elsevier BV
Abstract Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) dispersed in 2-propanol are deposited on the alumina substrate using drop cast method. The deposited SWCNTs are characterized using the techniques SEM, EDS and FTIR. Then the SWCNTs are functionalized with BH 3 using LiBH 4 as the precursor. FTIR, XPS and CHNS techniques are used to confirm the functionalization. The functional groups are identified from FTIR studies. The various elements present in the functionalized SWCNTs are identified from XPS and CHNS studies. The functionalized samples are hydrogenated and the hydrogen storage capacity of these samples is estimated using CHNS studies.