Controllable Synthesis of MoC and Mo₂C to Boost Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane Hydrolysis

Abstract

Ammonia borane has been proposed as a competitor to boost H 2 evolution via the catalytic hydrolysis reaction at mild temperatures. A series of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-supported Ni−Mo x C catalysts with different Mo x C crystalline phases are controllably synthesized using a facile two-step impregnation method followed by the thermal treatment. The catalyst structure and physicochemical properties are studied. The incorporation of Mo x C is effective for enhancing the catalytic activity of Ni/CNTs, and the β-Mo 2 C is more beneficial to the ammonia borane hydrolysis than the α-MoC. 10Ni30Mo 2 C/CNTs exhibit superior catalytic activity with a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 71.0 min −1 . Both experimental and theoretical results suggest that Mo x C is responsible for H 2 O adsorption and activation while Ni is contributed to the ammonia borane molecule. Thus, this synergistic effect between Mo x C and Ni enhances the catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane. This finding demonstrates the huge potential of Mo x C for ammonia borane hydrolysis in hydrogen storage applications and provides a fangled sight for developing a unique class of low-cost catalytic system.

Crystal-Phase Engineering in Heterogeneous Catalysis

“…239,244 While controlling temperature, pressure, or size is typically sufficient for achieving specific crystal-phase transitions or growth in pure metals, controlling the crystal phases of metal carbides and nitrides often requires adjustments in the proportions of different elements and the use of unconventional synthesis methods such as solvothermal processes. 250,251 Additionally, because of this, further research efforts are needed to fully uncover the impact of crystal phases on a chemical reaction, particularly when considering variations in the composition ratio. Currently, there is relatively limited 252,253 It has been confirmed that these materials exhibit positive catalytic performance in nitrogen reduction reactions, and further improvements in catalytic activity can be considered from the perspective of crystal phases.…”

“…Unlike pure metals, which are limited to the fcc, bcc, and hcp crystal phases, metal carbides and nitrides exhibit greater structural complexity and a wider range of crystal phases due to the diverse coordination of metal and nonmetal atoms as well as nonuniform molar ratios. , While controlling temperature, pressure, or size is typically sufficient for achieving specific crystal-phase transitions or growth in pure metals, controlling the crystal phases of metal carbides and nitrides often requires adjustments in the proportions of different elements and the use of unconventional synthesis methods such as solvothermal processes. , Additionally, because of this, further research efforts are needed to fully uncover the impact of crystal phases on a chemical reaction, particularly when considering variations in the composition ratio. Currently, there is relatively limited research on the crystal phases of metal carbonitrides, with most of them centered around molybdenum atoms.…”

Exploring Enhanced Hydrolytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane with Porous Graphene-Supported Platinum Catalysts

“…Thermolysis and alcoholysis often require high-temperature operation over catalysts and may generate organic byproducts. In contrast, hydrolysis is the simplest method, only requiring the assistance of a catalyst under ambient conditions [15].…”

Interface Engineering Modulation Combined with Electronic Structure Modification of Zn-Doped NiO Heterostructure for Efficient Water-Splitting Activity

“…19 Recently, nickel-based electrocatalysts have been reported to show good HER and OER performances in alkaline media. 20,21 However, their limited surface-active species impact mass transfer and overall electrocatalytic performance. 22,23 To resolve this issue, several researchers have attempted to improve the catalytic performances by doping the matrix with heteroatoms, 24,25 formulating hybrid heterostructures, 26 and growing electroactive matrices on conducting material substrates.…”