Bio-inspired graphene foam decorated with Pt nanoparticles for hydrogen storage at room temperature

• Polydopamine (PD) played the multi-role as reducing agent, functionalizer, and favorable metal binder.
• 3D interconnected rGO/PD foam with controlled BET surface area was produced by controlling the degree of functionalized PD.
• Optimum size, distribution, and loading amount of Pt in Pt-decorated rGO/PD could be systematically controlled.
• High hydrogen uptake of rGO/PD_Pt (3.19 wt.%) was obtained at room temperature and 100 bar.

A bioinspired hydrogen storage medium uses polydopamine (PD) which acts as a reducing agent, functionalizer, and strong metal binder. By controlling the degree of functionalized PD on graphene, the specific surface area of three-dimensionally interconnected graphene foam can be controlled. In addition, the functionalization degree of PD affects the size, distribution, and amount of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles decorated on the foam. By combining a high surface area and a uniform distribution of small sized Pt nanoparticles, the Pt-decorated PD-functionalized graphene (rGO/PD_Pt) exhibits a high hydrogen storage capacity of 3.19 wt.% at room temperature and 100 bar, which is the best hydrogen storage medium exhibiting the highest hydrogen uptake per unit specific surface area.