Self-supported Cu(OH)₂@Co₂CO₃(OH)₂ core-shell nanowire array as a robust catalyst for ammonia-borane hydrolysis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Ammonia-borane (AB) is a promising hydrogen storage material due to its high hydrogen content and stability in water.
• Developing efficient catalysts for controlled hydrogen release from AB under mild conditions remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly efficient catalyst for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane.
• To achieve on-demand hydrogen generation with controllable release characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a three-dimensional hierarchical Cu(OH)2@Co2CO3(OH)2 core-shell nanowire array on copper foam (Cu(OH)2@Co2CO3(OH)2/CF).
• Evaluation of the catalyst's performance in the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane.

Main Results:

• The Cu(OH)2@Co2CO3(OH)2/CF catalyst demonstrated efficient hydrogen generation with low activation energy (44.3 KJ mol-1).
• The catalyst exhibited a high turnover frequency of 39.72 mol(H2)/mol(cat.)/min.
• The catalyst functioned as an on/off switch for on-demand hydrogen release and maintained stability over long-term use.

Conclusions:

• The developed Cu(OH)2@Co2CO3(OH)2/CF catalyst is highly effective for ammonia-borane hydrolysis.
• This catalyst offers a promising solution for controlled and efficient hydrogen storage and release applications.