Cobalt-Nickel-Boron Supported over Polypyrrole-Derived Activated Carbon for Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane

Abstract

Abstract:In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) nanofibers were used to synthesize a super-activated carbon material. A highly-dispersed Co-Ni-B catalyst was supported on PPy nanofiber-derived activated carbon (PAC) by chemical reduction. The Co-Ni-B/PAC hybrid catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the decomposition of ammonia borane (AB) in an aqueous alkaline solution at room temperature. The size of the metal particles, morphology of Co-Ni-B/PAC, and catalytic activity of the supported catalyst were investigated. Ni-B, Co-B, and Co-Ni-B catalysts were also synthesized in the absence of PAC under similar conditions for comparison. The maximum hydrogen generation rate (1451.2 mL´1¨min´1¨g´1 at 25˝C) was obtained with Co-Ni-B/PAC. Kinetic studies indicated that the hydrolysis reaction of AB was first order with respect to Co-Ni-B/PAC, and the activation energy was 30.2 kJ¨mol´1. Even after ten recycling experiments, the catalyst showed good stability owing to the synergistic effect of Co-Ni-B and PAC.

Recent progress in porous catalysts for dehydrogenation of ammonia borane

“…91 For example, Yurderi et al , 92 Bulut et al 93 and Kazici et al 94 used activated carbon (purchased from Sigma-Aldrich) as a support to load active species as catalysts for the dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane. Zou et al 95 reported polypyrrole derived activated carbon as a support to load Co–Ni–B for AB hydrolysis. Biomass is one of the raw materials commonly used to prepare activated carbon.…”