Hydrogen release from hydrolysis of borazane on Pt- and Ni-based alloy catalysts

Two types of Pt- and Ni-based alloy catalysts were synthesized and comparatively tested for hydrogen generation from aqueous borazane (ammonia- borane, BH3NH3)BH3NH3) solution. The experimental results demonstrated that hydrogen release rates from some of the Pt alloys such as PtRu and PtAu are nearly 9 times higher than those from pure Pt surface, and similarly, most of the Ni alloy catalysts exhibit greatly enhanced catalytic activities than pure Ni catalyst. Particularly, hydrogen release from NiAg-catalyzed BH3NH3BH3NH3 hydrolysis can complete quickly at room temperature showing a stable hydrogen yield at H2/BH3NH3ratio=2.9H2/BH3NH3ratio=2.9 (molar ratio), corresponding to 8.7 wt % hydrogen release. Since the Ni alloy catalysts are less costly and highly efficient, it is feasible to use the Ni alloy catalysts for practical hydrogen generation in portable applications.