Novel Nanoporous Composites for Sustainable Energy Applications

This thesis develops porous polymers known as PIMs and their derived carbons for hydrogen storage and battery applications. Carbonisation of PIMs produces high‑surface‑area, electrically conductive carbons with well‑defined pore networks. These carbons enable oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in zinc–air batteries, supporting efficient electricity generation. PIMs shaped into freeze‑cast monoliths demonstrate measurable high‑pressure hydrogen storage capacity, with potential to reduce operating pressures in storage systems. By establishing clear structure–processing–performance relationships, this work provides design principles for scalable, low‑carbon energy technologies.