Abstract
In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) nanofibers were used to synthesize a super-activated carbon material. A highly-dispersed Co-Ni-B catalyst was supported on PPy nanofiber-derived activated carbon (PAC) by chemical reduction. The Co-Ni-B/PAC hybrid catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for the decomposition of ammonia borane (AB) in an aqueous alkaline solution at room temperature. The size of the metal particles, morphology of Co-Ni-B/PAC, and catalytic activity of the supported catalyst were investigated. Ni-B, Co-B, and Co-Ni-B catalysts were also synthesized in the absence of PAC under similar conditions for comparison. The maximum hydrogen generation rate (1451.2 mL−1·min−1·g−1 at 25 °C) was obtained with Co-Ni-B/PAC. Kinetic studies indicated that the hydrolysis reaction of AB was first order with respect to Co-Ni-B/PAC, and the activation energy was 30.2 kJ·mol−1. Even after ten recycling experiments, the catalyst showed good stability owing to the synergistic effect of Co-Ni-B and PAC.
Highlights
The development of clean and renewable energy materials that can be used in automotive applications is an important issue, given the increasing worldwide demand for clean energy sources [1].Hydrogen is considered a promising candidate to replace traditional fossil fuels because of its high energy efficiency and zero emissions [2]
The Co-Ni-B/PPy nanofiber-derived activated carbon (PAC) nanocomposite showed significantly enhanced enhanced catalytic activity for hydrogen generation (HG) via ammonia borane (AB) hydrolysis compared to the Co‐Ni‐B catalyst
The catalytic activity for HG via AB hydrolysis compared to the Co-Ni-B catalyst
Summary
The development of clean and renewable energy materials that can be used in automotive applications is an important issue, given the increasing worldwide demand for clean energy sources [1]. Porous carbon materials have attracted attention in materials science and catalysis, and they have emerged as potential supports for growing and anchoring metal nanoparticles. Their mesoporous structure and unique nanoscale morphology could provide a high surface area for a high dispersion of catalyst nanoparticles and efficient transport of reactants. Polymer-derived porous carbon has not been well-studied as a support for non-noble metal catalysts for the hydrolysis of AB. Co-Ni-B/PAC is a remarkable catalyst that provides lower activation energy and improves the rate of the HG reaction
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