Co-Based Dual-Metal Phosphides on P-Activated Nickel Foam for Enhanced Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane

Abstract

Cobalt-based monolithic phosphides are an attractive approach due to their stability and corrosion resistance properties for catalytic reactions. Herein, phosphourous -induced Co-based dual active sites phosphides (Co₂P-Ni₂P-NC) are fabricated on phosphourous-activated nickel foam (P-NF) through the phosphorization method. The results confirm the uniform growth of Co₂P-Ni₂P nanoparticles (NPs) with octahedral morphology embedded in the carbon-nitrogen matrix. Co₂P-Ni₂P NPs (9.26 nm) express prominent interfacial interaction and a strong electronic modulation through phosphorous (P) inducing. Thus, the dual active sites (Co₂P, Ni₂P) synergistically increase the catalytic activity of the optimized catalyst Co₂P-Ni₂P-NC with excellent efficiency for ammonia borane hydrolysis with hydrogen evolution (r_B = 4495 mL min⁻¹ g⁻¹_Co), turnover frequency (TOF = 1214.4 h⁻¹), and apparent activation energy (E_a = 36.17 kJ mol⁻¹). The P-activated nickel foam in Co₂P-Ni₂P-NC contributes significantly to increasing the catalytic activity of the as-prepared catalysts. Thus, this work provides a rational design for developing a monolithic catalyst for industrial applications in the field of heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable energy.