Catalytically active rhodium nanoparticles stabilized by nitrogen doped carbon for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.

Abstract We report the preparation of an ammonia borane hydrolysis catalyst for use in hydrogen production by dispersing Rh nanoparticles on a nitrogen-doped carbon (NPC) support. The resulting Rh/NPC catalyst had a measured turnover frequency of 473.5 min−1, higher than that of many previously reported Rh-based catalysts. This catalyst could also be reused eight times. The large surface area and abundant nitrogen-functional species of NPCs facilitate dispersion of Rh nanoparticles on their surface, providing numerous catalytically active sites for ammonia borane hydrolysis, thereby leading to high catalytic activity. This study demonstrates that NPC support can be used to prepare highly active catalysts. Highlights • Well dispersed Rh nanoparticles with clean surfaces on NPC were prepared. • Rh/NPC exhibited high activity and reusability for ammonia borane hydrolysis. • A high turnover frequency of 473.5 min−1 was obtained under optimum conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]