Heterojunction synergistic catalysis of MXene-supported PrF3 nanosheets for the efficient hydrogen storage of AlH3

Aluminum hydride is a promising chemical hydrogen storage material that can achieve dehydrogenation under mild conditions as well as high hydrogen storage capacity. However, designing an efficient and cost-effective catalyst, especially a synergistic catalyst, for realizing low-temperature and high-efficiency hydrogen supply remains challenging. In this study, the heterojunction synergistic catalyst of Ti3C2 supported PrF3 nanosheets considerably improved the dehydrogenation kinetics of AlH3 at low temperatures and maintained a high hydrogen storage capacity. In the synergistic catalyst, Pr produced a synergistic coupling interaction through its unique electronic structure. The sandwich structure with close contact between the two phases enhanced the interaction between species and the synergistic effect. The initial dehydrogenation temperature of the composite is reduced to 70.2 degrees C, and the dehydrogenation capacity is 8.6 wt.% at 120 degrees C in 90 min under the kinetic test, which reached 93% of the theoretical hydrogen storage capacity. The catalyst considerably reduced the activation energy of the dehydrogenation reaction. Furthermore, the multielectron pairs on the surface of the catalyst promoted electron transfer and accelerated the reaction.

Automated summary

In this study, a heterojunction synergistic catalyst of Ti3C2 supported PrF3 nanosheets was found to greatly enhance the dehydrogenation kinetics of AlH3 at low temperatures and maintain a high hydrogen storage capacity. Pr produced a synergistic coupling interaction through its unique electronic structure, and the sandwich structure enhanced the interaction between species and the synergistic effect. Under the kinetic test, the composite achieved an initial dehydrogenation temperature of 70.2 degrees C and a dehydrogenation capacity of 8.6 wt.% at 120 degrees C in 90 min, reaching 93% of the theoretical hydrogen storage capacity. The catalyst significantly reduced the activation energy of the dehydrogenation reaction. Furthermore, the multielectron pairs on the surface of the catalyst promoted electron transfer and accelerated the reaction.