PhD student Rory Herron gave an Oral presentation during August 2014 at the 8th International Conference on Environmental Catalysis in Asheville North Carolina.
Abstract:
Pt is a highly active catalyst for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB) but world supplies of Pt are limited. In this work we look at replacing Pt with more common metallic elements (Co and Ni). Monometallic and bimetallic Co and Ni catalysts supported on SBA-15 were synthesised via a one step reduction of metal salt mixtures by sodium borohydride. These materials were used in catalytic hydrolysis of AB at ambient temperature and their activities were compared to that of a highly active Pt-based catalyst. While Co catalysts were more active than their Ni analogues, the bimetallic CoNi catalysts were more active again, suggesting the operation of a synergistic effect. Both the Co/SBA-15 and CoNi/SBA-15 catalysts showed an activation step that occurs with a colour change from white to black that is thought to involve the reduction of CoO to the active metal species.