Enhanced hydrogen storage performance in Pd3Co decorated nitrogen/boron doped graphene composites

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2018-04, Vol.43 (16), p.8018-8025
• Main Authors: Samantaray, Sai Smruti, Sangeetha, V., Abinaya, S., Ramaprabhu, Sundara
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hydrogen storage; Nitrogen/boron doping; Pd-Co alloy nanoparticles; Reduced graphene oxide; Spillover mechanism
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.03.078

In order to harness the potential of hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier, overcoming the barrier related to its storage is of utmost importance. In this direction, it has been shown that dissociation of hydrogen molecules into atoms followed by their adsorption onto high surface area nanomaterials like reduced graphene oxide is a promising pathway. In the present study, we have exploited this pathway, commonly known as the “spillover mechanism” and achieved a hydrogen storage capacity of ∼4.6 wt% at 30 bar and 25 °C in Pd3Co decorated boron doped graphene composite. We demonstrate that optimum loading of transition metal alloy nanoparticles coupled with heteroatom (nitrogen or boron) doped graphene support is an efficient, easy and cost effective avenue towards meeting the US department of energy (DOE) targets for gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity at room temperature and moderate pressures. [Display omitted] •Pd3Co decorated undoped and doped reduced graphene oxide are synthesized.•Nitrogen and boron doping of rGO support prevents agglomeration of Pd3Co NPs.•Pd3Co-NG and Pd3Co-BG give hydrogen storage capacity of ∼4.2 wt% and ∼4.6 wt%.