Novel synthesis of Zn2GeO4/graphene nanocomposite for enhanced electrochemical hydrogen storage performance

Abstract

For the first time, a novel technique of preparing Zn2GeO4 nanostructures has been developed by using chemical precipitation method of GeCl4 as a Ge precursor and acacen as a capping agent. Uniform and fine Zn2GeO4 nanoparticle was synthesized. The optimized Zn2GeO4 nanostructures anchored onto graphene sheets and Zn2GeO4/graphene nanocomposite synthesized through pre-graphenization, successfully. Hydrogen storage capacities of Zn2GeO4 nanoparticle and Zn2GeO4/graphene nanocomposite were compared, for the first time. Obtained results represent that Zn2GeO4/graphene nanocomposites have higher electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity than Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles. It was found that the synergistic effect between Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles and graphene sheets can improve the electrochemical performance of this hybrid composite electrode. After 29 cycles, the discharging capacities of the electrode reached to 2695 mAh/g. These results indicate that the Zn2GeO4/graphene nanocomposite can be potentially applied for electrochemical hydrogen storage.