Zeolite framework stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters catalyst for the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane in air: Outstanding catalytic activity, reusability and lifetime

Zeolite framework stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters were prepared by a two steps procedure: incorporation of Rh3+ ions into the Zeolite-Y by ion-exchange followed by in situ reduction of Rh3+ ions during the catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. They are stable enough to be isolated as solid materials and characterized by HRTEM, XPS, XRD, SEM, EDX, and N2 adsorption. These nanoclusters are isolable, bottleable, redispersible, and reusable as an active catalyst in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane even at low temperatures. Zeolite framework stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters provide exceptional catalytic activity (TOF = 92 mol H2/mol Rh min) and unprecedented lifetime (TTON = 47200 mol H2/mol Rh) in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane at 25 ± 0.1 °C.