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A Family of High‐Efficiency Hydrogen‐Generation Catalysts Based on Ammonium Species
Author(s) -
Lu Lilin,
Zhang Haijun,
Zhang Shaowei,
Li Faliang
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201500942
Subject(s) - catalysis , chemistry , environmentally friendly , hydrogen , ammonium , quantum chemical , hydrogen production , transition metal , noble metal , hydrolysis , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , combinatorial chemistry , molecule , ecology , biology
Development of highly active, low cost, ecologically friendly, and durable homogenous catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of borohydride is one of the most desirable pathways for future hydrogen utilization. The unexpected catalytic activities of inorganic ammonium species and the corresponding mechanisms underpinning them are studied. The catalytic activities of the ammonium species are higher than or comparable to those of mostly investigated noble‐metal/transition‐metal catalysts (such as Pd, Pt, Ni, and Co) but are considerably cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and more readily available. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that the unique ammonium‐induced reaction pathway involved with a barrierless elementary reaction at the reaction entrance and the formation of the highly active intermediate BH 3 are responsible for the unexpected catalytic activities and the significantly accelerated hydrogen generation.