Methylamine adsorption and decomposition on B12N12 nanocage: A density functional theory study

Density functional theory calculations are performed to investigate the adsorption and decomposition of methylamine (CH3NH2) on the surface of a B12N12 fullerene-like nanocage. Two adsorption types and two reaction channels are identified. It is found that the electrical conductivity of the nanocage can be modified upon the adsorption of CH3NH2. The pathways of CH3NH2 decomposition via bond scission of the CN and NH bonds are examined. The results indicate that NH bond scission is the most favorable pathway on the B12N12 surface. The side reaction that generates CH3 and NH2 fragments is endothermic by 15.6 kcal/mol with an energy-barrier height of 81.5 kcal/mol. For the CH3NH2 decomposition on the B12N12 surface, the rate-determining step appears to be as the following reaction: CH3NH → CH3N + H.