Core-shell structured nanospheres with mesoporous silica shell and Ni core as a stable catalyst for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane

Core-shell structured nanospheres with mesoporous silica shell and Ni core (denoted as Ni@meso-SiO2) are prepared through a three-step process. Monodispersed Ni precursors are first prepared, and then coated with mesoporous SiO2. Final Ni@meso-SiO2 spheres are obtained after calcination. The products are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption methods. These spheres have a high surface area and are well dispersed in water, showing a high catalytic activity with a TOF value of 18.5, and outstanding stability in hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane at room temperature.

Graphical AbstractCore-shell structured nanospheres with Ni core and mesoporous silica shell are prepared, and they show high catalytic activity with a TOF value of 18.5 molH2 /(molcat·min) and outstanding stability in hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane at room temperature.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide