Highly Dispersed Bimetallic Nanoparticles Supported on Titanium Carbides for Remarkable Hydrogen Release from Hydrous Hydrazine

The catalytic decomposition of hydrous hydrazine (N2H4H2O) is considered a promising candidate for the fuel-cell field, but sluggish reaction kinetics dramatically impede its practical application. In this study, bimetallic RhNi nanoparticles were successfully anchored on titanium carbides (MXene) by a one-step wet-chemical method to build superior catalysts for the decomposition of hydrous hydrazine (N2H4H2O), a compound that can be used for chemical hydrogen storage. The synthesized RhNi/MXene catalysts were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. As a result of the particles size and a synergistic effect, the Rh0.8Ni0.2/MXene nanocatalyst demonstrated 100% selectivity to H-2, excellent stability, and high reaction kinetics with a turnover frequency of 857 h(-1) for the decomposition of N2H4H2O in alkaline solution.