Nanostructured Cu and Cu@Cu2O core shell catalysts for hydrogen generation from ammonia–borane

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles have been prepared by the solvated metal atom dispersion (SMAD) method. Oxidation of the SMAD prepared copper colloids resulted in Cu@Cu₂O core shell structures (7.7 ± 1.8 nm) or Cu₂O nanoparticles depending on the reaction conditions. The nano Cu, Cu@Cu₂O core shell, and Cu₂O particles were found to be catalytically active for the generation of hydrogen from ammonia–borane either viahydrolysis or methanolysis reaction.