Graphene-Supported Trimetallic Core-Shell Cu@CoNi Nanoparticles for Catalytic Hydrolysis of Amine Borane

Trimetallic core-shell Cu@CoNi nanoparticles (NPs) supported on graphene with different compositions are synthesized through a one-step insitu reduction process by using methylamine borane (MeAB) as a reducing agent. The as-synthesized Cu-core/CoNi-shell NPs are well dispersed on graphene. Among the catalysts studied, Cu-0.1@Co0.45Ni0.45/graphene displays the highest catalytic performance toward the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB), with a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 15.46molH(2)min(-1)(mol catalyst)(-1), which is higher than those of most reported non-noble-metal-based NPs, and even higher than many noble-metal-based NPs. Additionally, the as-synthesized Cu-0.1@Co0.45Ni0.45/graphene NPs reduced by MeAB exhibit a higher catalytic activity than those reduced by NaBH4 and AB. Furthermore, the as-prepared NPs have good durability and magnetic recyclability for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB and MeAB.