Ce-BTC supported Rh nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance in hydrazine borane decomposition

Abstract

The present study aims to develop heterogeneous catalytic systems to catalyze the complete decomposition of HB, a material that has attracted attention in recent years as a solid hydrogen storage material. For this purpose, cerium-based metal-organic framework (Ce-BTC) supported rhodium (Rh) nanoclusters (Rh@Ce-BTC) have been synthesized and characterized by using advanced analytical/spectroscopic methods. The catalytic performances of these prepared heterogeneous catalysts have been investigated in the catalytic decomposition of hydrazineborane under mild conditions (50 degrees C, under air). The results of the catalytic test reaction have shown that the complete decomposition of hydrazine-borane (100% conversion) can be achieved with the Rh@Ce-BTC catalyst, yielding turnover frequency (TOFcomplete) value of 2521.38 h-1. More importantly, these catalytic systems have been highly resistant catalysts against agglomeration and leaching throughout the catalytic cycles, making them a recyclable catalyst for the significant catalytic reaction.