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A Simple and Scalable Route to Synthesize Co x Cu 1− x Co 2 O 4 @Co y Cu 1− y Co 2 O 4 Yolk–Shell Microspheres, A High‐Performance Catalyst to Hydrolyze Ammonia Borane for Hydrogen Production
Author(s) -
Lu Dongsheng,
Li Junhao,
Lin Chaohui,
Liao Jinyun,
Feng Yufa,
Ding Zitian,
Li Zhiwei,
Liu Quanbing,
Li Hao
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.201805460
Subject(s) - calcination , catalysis , materials science , shell (structure) , hydrothermal circulation , mesoporous material , chemical engineering , nuclear chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering
Yolk–shell structured micro/nano‐sized materials have broad and important applications in different areas due to their unique spatial configurations. In this study, yolk–shell structured Co 3 O 4 @Co 3 O 4 is prepared using a simple and scalable hydrothermal reaction, followed by a calcination process. Then, Co x Cu 1− x Co 2 O 4 @Co y Cu 1− y Co 2 O 4 microspheres are synthesized via adsorption and calcination processes using the as‐prepared Co 3 O 4 @Co 3 O 4 as the precursor. A possible formation mechanism of the yolk–shell structures is proposed based on the characterization results, which is different from those of yolk–shell structures in previous study. For the first time, the catalytic activity of yolk–shell structured catalysts in ammonia borane (AB) hydrolysis is studied. It is discovered that the yolk–shell structured Co x Cu 1− x Co 2 O 4 @Co y Cu 1− y Co 2 O 4 microspheres exhibit high performance with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 81.8 mol hydrogen min −1 mol cat −1 . This is one of the highest TOF values reported for a noble‐metal‐free catalyst in the literature. Additionally, the yolk–shell structured Co x Cu 1− x Co 2 O 4 @Co y Cu 1− y Co 2 O 4 microspheres are highly stable and reusable. These yolk–shell structured Co x Cu 1− x Co 2 O 4 @Co y Cu 1− y Co 2 O 4 microsphere is a promising catalyst candidate in AB hydrolysis considering the excellent catalytic behavior and low cost.