Controllable Synthesis of MoC and Mo₂C to Boost Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane Hydrolysis

Ammonia borane has been proposed as a competitor to boost H 2 evolution via the catalytic hydrolysis reaction at mild temperatures. A series of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-supported Ni–Mo x C catalysts with different Mo x C crystalline phases are controllably synthesized using a facile two-step impregnation method followed by the thermal treatment. The catalyst structure and physicochemical properties are studied. The incorporation of Mo x C is effective for enhancing the catalytic activity of Ni/CNTs, and the β-Mo 2 C is more beneficial to the ammonia borane hydrolysis than the α-MoC. 10Ni30Mo 2 C/CNTs exhibit superior catalytic activity with a turnover frequency (TOF) value of 71.0 min –1 . Both experimental and theoretical results suggest that Mo x C is responsible for H 2 O adsorption and activation while Ni is contributed to the ammonia borane molecule. Thus, this synergistic effect between Mo x C and Ni enhances the catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane. This finding demonstrates the huge potential of Mo x C for ammonia borane hydrolysis in hydrogen storage applications and provides a fangled sight for developing a unique class of low-cost catalytic system.