Effect of Few-Layer TiCT Supported Nano-Ni via Self-Assembly Reduction on Hydrogen Storage Performance of MgH.

For the first time, few-layer TiCT (FL-TiCT) supporting highly dispersed nano-Ni particles with an interconnected and interlaced structure was elaborated through a self-assembly reduction process. FL-TiCT not only acts as a supporting material but also self-assembles with Ni ions through the electrostatic interaction, assisting in the reduction of nano-Ni. After ball milling with MgH, Ni/FL-TiCT (few-layer TiCT supported 30 wt % nano-Ni via self-assembly reduction) shows superior catalytic activity for MgH. For example, MgH-5 wt % Ni/FL-TiCT can release approximately 5.83 wt % hydrogen within 1800 s at 250 °C and absorb 5 wt % hydrogen within 1700 s at 100 °C. The combined effects of finely dispersed nano-Ni in situ-grown on FL-TiCT, large specific area of FL-TiCT, multiple-valence Ti (Ti, Ti, Ti, and Ti) derived from FL-TiCT, and the electronic interaction between Ni and FL-TiCT can explain the superb hydrogen storage performance. Our results will attract more attention to the elaboration of the metal/FL-TiCT composite via self-assembly reduction and provide a guideline to design high-efficiency composite catalysts with MXene in hydrogen storage fields.