Waste-biomass-derived activated carbon supported Co-Cu-P nanocatalysts for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane

Hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane is a significant and promising approach for on-site hydrogen production at ambient conditions, and developing highly efficient and low-cost catalysts has attracted considerable attention. Herein, waste-biomass-derived activated carbon (AC) was prepared by hydrothermal carbonization and alkali-assisted activation, and non-precious bimetal phosphides (Co-Cu-P) nanocatalysts with a series of different Co/Cu ratios were synthesized on the AC surface through in situ phosphidation method. Owing to the synergetic effects, the optimal Co0.8Cu0.2P/AC presents an outstanding turnover frequency of 26.5 min(-1) (25 degrees C), which is much higher than that of many reported catalysts. The reaction activation energy was measured to be 34.6 kJ mol(-1). Benefiting from the ferromagnetic nature of the phosphides, the Co0.8Cu0.2P/AC can be magnetically separated and reused again. After recycling six times, the catalyst still retains 72% of the initial activity, thus indicating great potential for practical applications.

Automated summary

Hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane is a promising method for on-site hydrogen production at ambient conditions. In this study, waste-biomass-derived activated carbon was used as a support for non-precious bimetal phosphides nanocatalysts. The Co0.8Cu0.2P/AC catalyst showed outstanding performance with a high turnover frequency and could be magnetically separated and reused.