Graphene and related two-dimensional crystals and hybrid systems showcase several key properties that can address emerging energy needs, in particular for the ever growing market of portable and wearable energy conversion and storage devices. Graphene's flexibility, large surface area, and chemical stability, combined with its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, make it promising as a catalyst in fuel and dye-sensitized solar cells. Chemically functionalized graphene can also improve storage and diffusion of ionic species and electric charge in batteries and supercapacitors. Two-dimensional crystals provide optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties complementing those of graphene, enabling the realization of ultrathin-film photovoltaic devices or systems for hydrogen production. Here, we review the use of graphene and related materials for energy conversion and storage, outlining the roadmap for future applications.

Graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, and hybrid systems for energy conversion and storage

Heteroatom doping can endow graphene with various new or improved electromagnetic, physicochemical, optical, and structural properties. This greatly extends the arsenal of graphene materials and their potential for a spectrum of applications. Considering the latest developments, we comprehensively and critically discuss the syntheses, properties and emerging applications of the growing family of heteroatom-doped graphene materials. The advantages, disadvantages, and preferential doping features of current synthesis approaches are compared, aiming to provide clues for developing new and controllable synthetic routes. We emphasize the distinct properties resulting from various dopants, different doping levels and configurations, and synergistic effects from co-dopants, hoping to assist a better understanding of doped graphene materials. The mechanisms underlying their advantageous uses for energy storage, energy conversion, sensing, and gas storage are highlighted, aiming to stimulate more competent applications.

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Heteroatom-doped graphene materials: syntheses, properties and applications

The sluggish rate of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells has been a major challenge. Significantly increasing efforts have been made worldwide towards a highly active ORR catalyst with high durability. Among all the catalysts exploited, Pt electrocatalysts are still the best in terms of a comprehensive evaluation. The investigation of Pt-based ORR catalysts is necessary for a practical ORR catalyst with low Pt content. This paper reviews recent progress in the studies of the mechanism, nanostructure, size effect and carbon supports of Pt electrocatalysts for the ORR. The importance of the size and structure control of Pt ORR catalysts, related with carbon support materials, is indicated. The potential methods for such control are discussed. The progress in theoretical studies and in situ catalyst characterization are also discussed. Finally, challenges and future developments are addressed.

https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/preview/843269/Journal%20of%20Materials%20Chemistry%20A??C6TA08580F%20-%20corrected%20proofs%20-final??.pdf

A comprehensive review of Pt electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction: Nanostructure, activity, mechanism and carbon support in PEM fuel cells

Palladium-Based Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Electrochemical Applications

Graphene-based materials: Synthesis and gas sorption, storage and separation

A high hydrogen storage capacity for palladium decorated nitrogen-doped hydrogen exfoliated graphene nanocomposite is demonstrated under moderate temperature and pressure conditions. The nitrogen doping of hydrogen exfoliated graphene is done by nitrogen plasma treatment, and palladium nanoparticles are decorated over nitrogen-doped graphene by a modified polyol reduction technique. An increase of 66% is achieved by nitrogen doping in the hydrogen uptake capacity of hydrogen exfoliated graphene at room temperature and 2 MPa pressure. A further enhancement by 124% is attained in the hydrogen uptake capacity by palladium nanoparticle (Pd NP) decoration over nitrogen-doped graphene. The high dispersion of Pd NP over nitrogen-doped graphene sheets and strengthened interaction between the nitrogen-doped graphene sheets and Pd NP catalyze the dissociation of hydrogen molecules and subsequent migration of hydrogen atoms on the doped graphene sheets. The results of a systematic study on graphene, nitrogen-doped g...

Effect of Nitrogen Doping on Hydrogen Storage Capacity of Palladium Decorated Graphene

Porous activated carbon or nanostructured carbon materials have a promising future as hydrogen storage media. The hydrogen storage capacity of nanostructured carbon materials can be further enhanced by spillover of atomic hydrogen from a supported catalyst. In the present work, both of these factors have been put to test to study the hydrogen storage capacity of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles dispersed over the surface of functionalized hydrogen-exfoliated-graphene (Pd/f-HEG). The high-pressure hydrogen storage measurements of HEG and Pd/f-HEG show a hydrogen storage capacity of 0.5 and 1.76 wt % respectively at 25 °C and 2 MPa pressure. Functionalization of graphene facilitates uniform dispersion of Pd nanoparticles, which result in an increased hydrogen storage capacity of graphene by 69%. Heats of adsorption have been calculated for HEG and Pd/f-HEG that are consistent with the theoretical calculations from literature and provide an experimental evidence for the spillover effect.

Vinayan Bhagavathi Parambhath

Papers

Effect of Nitrogen Doping on Hydrogen Storage Capacity of Palladium Decorated Graphene

Investigation of Spillover Mechanism in Palladium Decorated Hydrogen Exfoliated Functionalized Graphene

Carbon nanostructure grown using bi-metal oxide as electrocatalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell