Synthesis of novel ZnV2O4 spinel oxide nanosheets and their hydrogen storage propertiesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3ce41859f

We report the synthesis of ZnV 2 O 4 spinel oxide novel nanosheets via a template free route to explore its potential hydrogen storage properties for the first time. 2D layered nanostructures are excellent candidates for storage applications. This attracted our interest to synthesize novel spinel oxide nanosheets (NSNs) of ZnV 2 O 4 . The maximum value for hydrogen absorption in ZnV 2 O 4 nanosheets at 473 K is 1.36 wt.% and 1.74 wt.% at 573 K, respectively. Our hydrogen storage measurements along ZnV 2 O 4 reveal its superiority over previous reports on hydrogen absorption values concerning oxides, nitrides and chalcogenides. To understand the rate-limiting mechanism, various kinetics models are applied. The calculations show that kinetics is governed by 3D growth with constant interface velocity. The measurements point to ZnV 2 O 4 spinel oxide as a promising hydrogen storage material. PL measurements demonstrate the potential for violet/blue optoelectronic devices. We report the synthesis of ZnV 2 O 4 spinel oxide novel nanosheets via a template free route to explore its potential hydrogen storage properties for the first time.