Neutron scattering study of nickel decorated thermally exfoliated graphite oxide. (29th November 2019) - Cavallari, Chiara
Abstract: Surface decoration of graphene-based nanostructures with metals has been predicted to be an efficient way towards the development of resistant catalysts and novel materials for energy applications, such as hydrogen production and storage. We report on an extensive neutron scattering study of a defective graphene-based material decorated with nickel nanoparticles, obtained via the chemical decoration of thermally exfoliated graphite oxide. The combination of neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering measurements has been used to characterize the low-dimensional carbon backbone and the presence of the nickel nanoparticles, organized at the nanometer scale on the graphene plane. The structural features of this system, along with the nickel capability of dissociating the hydrogen molecule upon hydrogen treatment, are herein discussed. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Nickel decorated defective graphene was studied with neutron scattering technique. C backbone is turbostratic few-layer graphene electrostatically interacting with Ni. Inelastic neutron data indicates H2 dissociation and subsequent H bound to graphene. Density of unsaturated defects seems a limiting factor in the hydrogenation process.