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

Graphical Highly active and robust : Ni–Pt alloy nanocatalysts supported on mesoporous ceria, prepared by a one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly method, selectively promote decomposition of hydrazine monohydrate at a high rate to generate hydrogen with high selectivity (see figure). Moreover, the catalysts exhibit high cycle stability. The development of active, selective, and robust catalysts is a key issue in promoting the practical application of hydrazine monohydrate (N 2 H 4 ⋅ H 2 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 H 2 generation from an alkaline solution of N 2 H 4 ⋅ H 2 O at moderate temperatures. For example, the Ni 60 Pt 40 /CeO 2 catalyst enabled complete decomposition of N 2 H 4 ⋅ H 2 O to generate H 2 at a rate of 293 h −1 at 30 °C in the presence of 2 M NaOH, which compares favorably with the reported N 2 H 4 ⋅ H 2 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/CeO 2 catalyst.