Exploring the Structural Complexities of Metal–Metalloid Nanoparticles: The Case of Ni⋅B as Catalyst

Abstract

Understanding of the structural complexities of metal-metalloid nanoparticles is at the heart of several proposals for investigating the physical properties and practical applications of these bi-elemental nanomaterials. To date, the most widely studied metal-metalloid is the nickel-boron (Ni.B) system; however, the exact nature of the structure of the material itself has remained unclear. Herein we show our systematic investigations of the material in an attempt to reveal its fascinating nanostructure. The relation between its high catalytic activity and the ultrafine structure is explored, and the work has been further extended to the formation of colloidal Ni.B nanoparticles. The results presented in this work may represent a substantial progress toward a full understanding of the nickel-boron chemistry.

Polymer hydrogel supported Pd–Ni–B nanoclusters as robust catalysts for hydrogen production from hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

“…Only broad diffractions are observed. This is in accord with the literature reports of the metal-boron nanoparticles [54].…”

“…The NieB particles are prone to aggregate in micrometer-sized assemblies in solution. The catalyst surface is known to have both Ni(0) and boron in a mixture of oxidation states (0/þ3) [54]. In order to prevent aggregation, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was added in the solution during reduction of Ni salts in this study.…”

“…A classical method for preparation of NieB catalyst by aqueous reduction of Ni salts with NaBH 4 [53,54] After Solutions A and B were mixed on a magnetic stirrer, a black hydrogel was gradually formed in less than an hour due to radical polymerization and crosslinking of the acrylamide. The hydrogel was cut into small pieces and soaked in water repeatedly for three times (each for 9 h) to remove the residual acid and unreacted materials.…”

Ni–Co–B catalyst-promoted hydrogen generation by hydrolyzing NaBH4 solution for in situ hydrogen supply of portable fuel cells

“…It can be seen that one relatively broad dispersing peak appears near 2Â ≈ 45 • for the Ni-Co-B catalyst heated at 373 K, indicating an amorphous structure. Furthermore, according to a previous study, Geng et al [24] used high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) to observe the ultrafine crystalline structure of a Ni·B catalyst, and found that although the component nanoparticles are extremely small, they are nevertheless crystalline. Based on this point of view, here the Ni-Co-B catalysts may also have tiny Ni and Co crystallites bound in the matrix of boron-containing species.…”

Efficient electroless nickel plating from highly active Ni–B nanoparticles for electric circuit patterns on Al2O3 ceramics

“…On the other hand, these catalytic species need to be stabilized on the alumina under high temperature conditions. 19,20 Therefore, the development of Ni-B is highly desirable. Ni-B has been widely studied in electroless nickel deposition owing to its high activity, good selectivity and strong sulfur poison resistance, as well as its environmental friendliness.…”