Alloy-exciting effect of palladium-rhodium on MXene for enhanced hydrogen generation

Developing noble-based catalysts with high activity is the key to realizing high-efficiency hydrogen generation. Herein, PdRh alloys with different ratios supported on active Ti 3 C 2 is designed by microwave-assisted reduction to enhance the dissociation of NH 3 BH 3 and H 2 O. Specially, Pd 1 Rh 4 /Ti 3 C 2 conveys an optimal turnover frequency ( TOF ) of 338 min −1 and activation energy ( E a ) of 33.8 kJ mol −1  at room temperature. The TOF of Pd 1 Rh 4 /Ti 3 C 2 is 7.3 times than that of Pd/Ti 3 C 2 and 4.8 times of Rh/Ti 3 C 2 because of the construction of dual-active sites of PdRh alloy and active Ti 3 C 2 . The introduction of a small number of Pd changes the chemical environment of catalysts and presents significant excitation effect on catalytic activity. Experimental investigation reveals PdRh alloy and active Ti 3 C 2 are beneficial for the adsorption and dissociation of NH 3 BH 3 and H 2 O (active Ti 3 C 2 activates H 2 O, PdRh activates NH 3 BH 3 ). This research provides experimental foundation for the design of noble-based catalysts with high catalytic activity.