Activated carbon from grass – A green alternative catalyst support for water electrolysis

Grass blades (turf grass) have been selected as a cheap biomass source of producing activated carbon for supporting Pt particles for utilizing as electrocatalyst for H2 generation through electrolysis of water. Activation is done using ZnCl2 followed by thermal processing at 250 °C. 1% Pt was supported over the grass derived activated biomass carbon (G-ABC) powder to result in Pt@G-ABC. After physical characterization, Pt@G-ABC sample has been tested for its catalytic activity in 1 M sulfuric acid solution for H2 gas generation through Linear Sweep & Cyclic Voltammetry. Cost factor involved in the production of G-ABC has also been compared with the traditional commercially available carbon support. The studies suggest that grass may be considered not only as a potential alternative source for producing carbon supported catalyst for H2 generation but also highlight the production of low-cost carbon for further applications like electrode materials, adsorbent for color, odor and hazardous pollutants.