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

In this paper, we reported that a new multi-component catalyst of activated carbon supported nanosized Pd and VO_x (Pd-VO_x/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-VO_x/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 MgH ₂, 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 (E_a) indicated that Pd-VO_x/AC catalyst is highly efficient for MgH₂ dehydrogenation, which may be ascribed to the synergistic effect of nanometric bimetals (metal oxides) and nanocarbon. Highlights: Activated carbon supported nanosized Pd and VO_x prepared by wet impregnation. A synergistic effect of Pd, VO_x and carbon enhances hydrogen desorption of MgH₂. Significant decrease of catalysts amount and milling time have been achieved.