Graphene supported Ru@Co core–shell nanoparticles as efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of ammonia borane and methylamine borane

• First synthesize Ru@Co core–shell NPs supported on graphene
• The catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward hydrolysis of AB and MeAB.
• Second highest TOF value for the catalytic hydrolysis of AB

Well-dispersed graphene supported Ru@Co core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized by one-step in situ co-reduction of aqueous solution of ruthenium(III) chloride hydrate, cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate and graphite oxide (GO) with ammonia borane under ambient condition. The as-synthesized nanoparticles exert excellent catalytic activities, with the turnover frequency (TOF) value of 344 mol H2 min− 1 (mol Ru)− 1 for catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane, which is the second highest value ever reported. The as-synthesized catalysts exert superior catalytic activities than the monometallic (Ru/graphene), alloy (RuCo/graphene), and graphene-free Ru@Co counterparts towards the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB. Moreover, the catalytic hydrolysis of MeAB at room temperature was also studied. These Ru@Co NPs are a promising catalyst for amine-borane hydrolysis and for developing a highly efficient hydrogen storage system for fuel cell applications.

Well dispersed Ru@Co/graphene nanoparticles were synthesized via a one-step in situ co-reduction route. The as-synthesized NPs exerted satisfied catalytic activity and recycle stability towards the hydrolysis of ammonia borane and methylamine borane.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide