Light alkali metal functionalized two-dimensional C5N monolayers for enhanced hydrogen storage

Abstract

This work presents a density functional theory (DFT) investigation of a two-dimensional (2D) C5N monolayer functionalized with Li, Na, and K for hydrogen storage. Pristine C5N exhibits weak H2 adsorption, while alkali-metal functionalization significantly enhances its storage capability. The C5N monolayer can stably accommodate up to six metal dopants, with binding energies stronger than the corresponding cohesive energies, indicating resistance to metal aggregation. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations further confirm the thermal stability of the functionalized systems at 300 K. Charge transfer from the metal dopants to C5N enhances polarization and strengthens H2 adsorption. Each dopant can adsorb up to eight H2 molecules, yielding a maximum of 48 H2 molecules per unit cell and gravimetric storage capacities of 9.42, 8.61, and 7.93 wt% for Li-, Na-, and K-functionalized C5N, respectively. The average H2 adsorption energies of -0.16 to -0.17 eV/H2 indicate moderate interactions suitable for reversible storage. Thermodynamic analysis further demonstrates favourable H2 adsorption/desorption under practical operating conditions, while desorption-temperature, recovery-time, and volumetric analyses support the potential reversibility and storage performance of these systems. Overall, alkali-metal-functionalized C5N emerges as a promising 2D material for efficient and reversible H2 storage.