One-step hydrogen extraction and storage in plasma generated palladium nanoparticles

This study demonstrates a novel way of hydrogen extraction from toluene and direct storage in plasma generated palladium (Pd) nanoparticles in one-step. Monodispersed Pd nanoparticles with a narrow particle-size distribution have been successfully synthesized, for the first time, by a plasma discharge between Pd electrodes in the cavitation field of toluene. The resulting well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles embedded in carbon are stabilized against agglomeration. The effect of experiment time on the particle size and the expansion of lattice spacing due to hydrogen are investigated by experimental and computational studies using density functional theory (DFT). Using X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements, it was found that particle size and lattice expansion increases with experiment time. Pd nanoparticle synthesis for in situ hydrogen storage in one step using plasma discharge in an appropriate solvent emphasizes the importance of adopting this methodology which offers several advantages. These include rapid reaction rate, ability to form very small nanoparticles with narrow size distribution and hydrogen extraction from the solvent for direct storage in the Pd nanoparticle lattice.