Complete and Rapid Conversion of Hydrazine Monohydrate to Hydrogen over Supported Ni–Pt Nanoparticles on Mesoporous Ceria for Chemical Hydrogen Storage

Abstract

The development of active, selective, and robust catalysts is a key issue in promoting the practical application of hydrazine monohydrate (N2 H4 ⋅H2 O) as a viable hydrogen carrier. Herein, the synthesis of a supported Ni-Pt bimetallic nanocatalyst on mesoporous ceria by a one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly method is reported. The catalyst exhibits exceptionally high catalytic activity, 100 % selectivity, and satisfactory stability in promoting H2 generation from an alkaline solution of N2 H4 ⋅H2 O at moderate temperatures. For example, the Ni60 Pt40 /CeO2 catalyst enabled complete decomposition of N2 H4 ⋅H2 O to generate H2 at a rate of 293 h(-1) at 30 °C in the presence of 2 M NaOH, which compares favorably with the reported N2 H4 ⋅H2 O decomposition catalysts. Phase/structural analysis by XRD, TEM, and Auger electron spectroscopy was conducted to gain insight into the excellent catalytic performance of the Ni-Pt/CeO2 catalyst.