Catalytically enhanced dehydrogenation of MgH2 by activated carbon supported Pd–VOx (x=2.38) nanocatalyst

In this paper, we reported that a new multi-component catalyst of activated carbon supported nanosized Pd and VOx (Pd–VOx/AC, x = 2.38) prepared by wet impregnation method exhibited significant catalytic effect on hydrogen desorption of MgH2. It is demonstrated that the nanocomposites of MgH2 + Pd–VOx/AC prepared by ball milling could reduce the desorption temperature, e.g. differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement indicated that the peak desorption temperature decreased ∼40 °C, and also improve the desorption kinetics of MgH2, e.g. desorbed 6.5 wt% hydrogen within 30 min at 300 °C under an initial pressure of 1 kPa. A significant decrease of activation energy (Ea) indicated that Pd–VOx/AC catalyst is highly efficient for MgH2 dehydrogenation, which may be ascribed to the synergistic effect of nanometric bimetals (metal oxides) and nanocarbon.

► Activated carbon supported nanosized Pd and VOx prepared by wet impregnation. ► A synergistic effect of Pd, VOx and carbon enhances hydrogen desorption of MgH2. ► Significant decrease of catalysts amount and milling time have been achieved.