Co-Co2B, Ni-Ni3B and Co-Ni-B nanocomposites catalyzed ammonia-borane methanolysis for hydrogen generation

Co-Co2B and Ni-Ni3B nanocomposites were synthesized by the reduction of Co2+ and Ni2+ ions using ammonia-borane in methanol. The Co-Ni-B nanocomposite was synthesized by the co-reduction of Co2+ and Ni2+ ions. The catalytic activities of these metal nanocomposites were studied for the dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane in methanol. Three moles of H-2 were liberated in 2.5 min and 4.2 min in case of Co-Co2B and Ni-Ni3B nanocomposites, respectively (catalyst/AB = 0.2). The Co-Ni- B nanocomposite showed greater activity compared to individual metal-metal boride nanocomposites: 3 moles of H-2 were liberated in 1.5 min (catalyst/AB = 0.2). The catalysts were highly recyclable and the activities remained almost unchanged even after several cycles.