Alloy-exciting effect of palladium-rhodium on MXene for enhanced hydrogen generation

Developing noble-based catalysts with high activity is the key to realizing high-efficiency hydrogen generation. Herein, PdRh alloys with different ratios supported on active Ti3C2 is designed by microwave-assisted reduction to enhance the dissociation of NH3BH3 and H2O. Specially, Pd1Rh4/Ti3C2 conveys an optimal turnover frequency (TOF) of 338 min-1 and activation energy (Ea) of 33.8 kJ mol-1 at room temperature. The TOF of Pd1Rh4/Ti3C2 is 7.3 times than that of Pd/Ti3C2 and 4.8 times of Rh/Ti3C2 because of the construction of dualactive sites of PdRh alloy and active Ti3C2. The introduction of a small number of Pd changes the chemical environment of catalysts and presents significant excitation effect on catalytic activity. Experimental investigation reveals PdRh alloy and active Ti3C2 are beneficial for the adsorption and dissociation of NH3BH3 and H2O (active Ti3C2 activates H2O, PdRh activates NH3BH3). This research provides experimental foundation for the design of noble-based catalysts with high catalytic activity. (c) 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.