Co-SBA-15 catalysts in the hydrolysis of NH3BH3 - Influences of Co precursors and catalyst pre-treatment

H2 was released from ammonia borane (AB) through a hydrolysis reaction over several Co-SBA-15 catalysts. Each catalyst had an induction time prior to becoming active. The activation time related to the in-situ reduction of Co species to an active nano-particulate form and the length of this induction time varied as a function of the Co-precursor used. The rate of the hydrolysis reaction over the reduced and active catalysts depended on the precursor. While the induction time was not noted in subsequent reactions over the reduced catalysts, the reactivity differences remained. A rationale for the differences based on the preparation steps is suggested.