Pioneering phosphorization of Ni nanoparticles on Ni Foam for high efficiency hydrogen production from ammonia borane

Transition metal phosphides are increasingly recognized for their durability and resistance to corrosion in catalytic processes. Ni-based phosphide catalyst (Ni-NiP-NC@NF) was synthesized, and experimental results verified the consistent formation of Ni–NiP nanoparticles (NPs) exhibiting a nano-brick-like structure. These Ni–NiP NPs, with an average diameter of 2.5 nm, demonstrated strong electronic interactions between the nickel sites and the incorporated phosphorus (P). The synergistic interaction raises the number of active sites (NiP) and enhances the electronic properties of the metallic nickel (Ni) sites. The optimized catalyst (Ni-NiP-NC@NF) showed remarkable catalytic performance in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane, achieving a hydrogen evolution rate ( r B ) of 1298 mL min −1 g −1 Ni, a turnover frequency (TOF) of 30.5 min −1 , and an apparent activation energy ( E a ) of 36.05 kJ mol −1 . This work provides a promising methodology for the development of transition metal phosphide catalysts aimed at industrial applications in heterogeneous catalysis and sustainable energy technologies.