In situ synthesized Fe–Co/C nano-alloys as catalysts for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane

Composite catalysts Fe0.3Co0.7-doped carbon aerogel have been in situ synthesized by chemical reduction method and successfully employed in the hydrolysis of NH3BH3 (AB) at room temperature. The mass percent of the doped Fe0.3Co0.7 alloys can reach to the maximum value of 40 wt%. The prepared catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity, especially for the specimen of 40 wt% Fe0.3Co0.7/C, which shows high catalytic activity and long durability. Its maximum hydrogen generation rate is as high as 13,695.6 ml min−1 g−1 at 298 K and the activation energy is only 20.83 kJ mol−1. Besides, this catalyst possesses preferable cycling stability at room temperature. The low cost, high catalytic activity and enhanced cycling stability can make it have a bright future in the application field of fuel chemistry.

► Fe0.3Co0.7 alloy was successfully doped into carbon aerogel via impregnation method.
► The mass percent of doped Fe0.3Co0.7 alloy into carbon aerogel can reach to 40 wt%.
► The max H2 generation rate of 40 wt% Fe0.3Co0.7/C was 13,695.6 ml min−1 g−1 at 298 K.
► The activation energy of 40 wt% Fe0.3Co0.7/C nana-alloy was only 20.83 kJ mol−1.
► 40 wt% Fe0.3Co0.7/C nano-alloy possessed preferable cycling stability at 298 K.