Synthesis of a dual-functionalized carbon-based material as catalyst and supercapacitor for efficient hydrogen production and energy storage: Pd-supported pomegranate peel

Abstract

In the current study, firstly, pomegranate peel (PP) was treated with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and palladium chloride (PdCl2) solution. So, the PP-supported Pd (PP-H3PO4-Pd) catalyst was synthesized for hydrogen production by the methanolysis reaction. In this context, different burning temperatures (300 degrees C, 400 degrees C, 500 degrees C, and 600 degrees C), and burning times (30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes) were examined to test the activity of the PP-H3PO4-Pd catalyst by the methanolysis reactions. As a result of studies, the most active catalyst was obtained by burning 45 minutes at 300 degrees C (2 mL PdCl2 solution 2% w/w). The maximum hydrogen production rate (HPR) obtained at 60 degrees C by the methanolysis reaction was found as 37 240.4 mL min(-1) g cat(-1) and the activation energy was calculated to be 26.83 kJ mol(-1). Within the scope of this study, secondly, this PP-H3PO4-Pd catalyst was used as a supercapacitor active material for the first time to store electricity. Electrochemical characterization results were substantially similar to supercapacitor curves in the literature. At the current density of 1 A/g, the gravimetric capacitance of the prepared electrode was calculated as 84 F/g. Considering factors such as capacity, cost, and efficiency; the capacitance values of the produced ultracapacitor have a significant level.