The Synthesis of Ni–Cu Alloy Nanofibers via Vacuum Thermal Co-reduction Toward Hydrogen Generation from Hydrazine Decomposition

Abstract A safe and reductant-free method based on co-reduction of nickel and copper oxides via vacuum thermal treatment has been developed for the synthesis of Ni–Cu alloy nanofibers, which includes electrospinning of a nickel acetate/copper acetate/polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (NiAc/CuAc/PVP) precursor solution, followed by vacuum thermal reduction. On account of the synergistic effect between Cu and Ni, the Ni–Cu alloy nanofibers catalyst with an optimal composition exhibits good catalytic performance for the decomposition of hydrous hydrazine in NaOH solution. Graphical Abstract Ni–Cu alloy nanofibers have been prepared by a vacuum thermal co-reduction method, and further used as catalysts for hydrous hydrazine decomposition.