Non-precious Metal Cu-Ni Alloy Nanoparticles Supported on Porous Boron Nitride Fibers as Catalysts for Dehydrogenation from Methanolysis of Ammonia-Borane

Dehydrogenation from methanolysis of ammonia borane is a promising strategy for the development of sustainable hydrogen energy. Developing an effective and inexpensive catalyst is essential. In our study, a series of Cu-Ni nanoparticles, in the form of alloy, are supported onto porous boron nitride fibers by impregnation reduction. Cu and Ni synergistically interact through the alloys, Cu0.9Ni0.1/p-BN demonstrates excellent catalytic effect with high turnover frequency (27.1 min(-1)) and low activation energy (27.8 kJ/mol) at 298 K. Kinetics indicates that the catalyst concentration follows the quasi-primary reaction. Moreover, the pores of the p-BN supporter prevent agglomeration of the metal particles while limiting their size, as well as providing protection to the particles. After passing 8 cycles, the catalyst does not suffer from severe poisoning effects. This work greatly enriches the non-precious metal catalyst system and plays a very meaningful role in the study of dehydrogenation from methanolysis of AB.