Pd–Ni nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxides as catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydrazine

Abstract

A composite material of Pd–Ni nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Pd–Ni/rGO) has been synthesised via an in situ reduction of PdO/Ni(OH)₂ nanoparticles on GO. This Pd–Ni/rGO material is characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The molar ratio of Pd/Ni in the alloy nanoparticles can be fine tuned by changing the starting ratio of Pd/Ni precursors during synthesis. The bimetallic Pd₃Ni/rGO exhibits high catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability toward the hydrogen generation from hydrazine, while corresponding monometallic (Pd/rGO or Ni/rGO) counterparts are either inactive or poorly active under analogous reaction conditions.