Metal Nanoparticle-Catalyzed Hydrogen Generation from Liquid Chemical Hydrides

To address the global energy crisis, it is imperative to develop effective, renewable and clean energy carriers. As one of the most promising candidates, hydrogen has a high energy density and is environmentally friendly. However, the limitation of hydrogen storage hinders the realization of a hydrogen society. Generally, a high hydrogen capacity, fast reaction kinetics, low cost, and safety are required in a hydrogen storage system for practical applications. In this respect, liquid chemical hydrides, like aqueous ammonia borane, hydrous hydrazine, and formic acid, have received much attention which would satisfy the above requirements and have good compatibility with the infrastructure for liquid fuels. This account reviews detailed research progress in hydrogen generation from liquid chemical hydrides catalyzed by metal nanoparticles in our group. Finally, the challenges and prospects are discussed.