Metal Ruthenate Perovskites as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane.

Abstract

Ammonia borane (NH3-BH3) is of interest as a hydrogen storage material because of its ease of use and its ability to release three molar equivalents of H2(g) via catalytic hydrolysis. Most heterogeneous catalysts for ammonia borane hydrolysis are nanoparticles containing expensive noble metals. Here, we show that metal ruthenate perovskites function as active and durable catalysts for ammonia borane hydrolysis. As a bulk powder, CaRuO3 catalyzes the hydrolysis of ammonia borane at room temperature and is recyclable and reusable. CaRuO3 facilitates the release of H2(g) from aqueous ammonia borane solutions at comparable rates to some other heterogeneous catalyst systems while having a low noble metal content. Other ruthenium-based perovskites, including SrRuO3, Ca2LaRuO6, Sr2CoRuO6, and SrLaCoRuO6, are similarly active catalysts for room-temperature ammonia borane hydrolysis.