We investigated new potential materials, such as hydrogen storage and lithium rechargeable batteries, for application in the field of advanced energy conversion and storage. We were able to synthesize Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 nanotubes using heat treatment and an alkali-hydrothermal reaction through a simple structural rearrangement, and we examined their H 2 storage characteristics and suitability as electrode materials for application in lithium-ion batteries. The Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 nanotubes could store up to 0.7 wt % H 2 at ambient temperature and their reversible capacity was approximately 156 mAh/g at a rate of 0.1C.

Modified adsorbents, Ag+-exchanged resins, have been prepared and studied for ethane/ethylene separation by adsorption. On Ag+-exchanged Amberlyst 35 (36.5% exchange) at 25 °C and 1 atm, the equilibrium adsorbed amount for C2H4 is 1.48 mmol/g, and the equilibrium adsorption ratio for C2H4/C2H6 is 6.4. The adsorption capacity is completely restored at 100−105 °C, although small residual amounts exist after desorption at 25 °C and 75 °C. For the adsorption encompassing both physical adsorption and π-complexation with energy heterogeneity, the equilibrium data are correlated with an equilibrium isotherm equation employing two fitting parameters. The fitted results agree well with the experimental data. Furthermore, the isosteric heats of adsorption and the diffusion time constants are calculated from experimental data. Considering all adsorption characteristics, these adsorbents show potential for application employing cyclic adsorption processes.