Ru/graphene hybrid film catalyst for NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2022-04, Vol.47 (35), p.15687-15694
• Main Authors: Megersa, Daba Deme, Kim, Youngho, Kim, Noeul, Lee, Jaeyeong, Bae, Jong Seong, Choi, Jae-Young, Yu, Hak Ki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dehydrogenation; Graphene; NaBH4; Ru catalyst
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.03.044

In this study, a thermal release tape-supported Ru on graphene film (Ru/G/TRT) was proposed as a catalyst for the dehydrogenation of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). A 200-nm-thick Ru film deposited on the C-plane of sapphire by physical vapor deposition was used for the synthesis of graphene via chemical vapor deposition. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the polycrystalline nature of the thin films. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the successful synthesis of graphene. Thus, the prepared Ru graphene (Ru/G) structure was covered with TRT, while simultaneous etching resulted in a Ru/G/TRT structure. The water displacement method was employed to evaluate the catalytic performance of the proposed structure, which was found to highly improve with respect to the etched Ru/G structure, with maintenance of stability after repeated use. Finally, surface study by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presence of metallic Ru on both Ru/G and Ru/G/TRT surfaces after repeated use, which further confirmed the stability of the structure. •Thermal release tape supported graphene/Ru hybrid film for sodium borohydride (NaBH4) hydrogenation.•Partially etched Ru surface are well supported by thin carbon graphene and thermal release tape structures.•Highly improved catalytic performance with maintenance of stability after repeated use.