Co-B nanoparticles supported over FSM type mesoporous silica: an efficient nanocatalyst for hydrogen production by hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane

Chemical impregnation-reduction method was used to synthesize nanocatalyst in the form of Co-B nanoparticles (NPs) supported over FSM type mesoporous silica. The catalytic activity of the nanocatalyst was tested for hydrogen production using Ammonia Borane as a source. TEM showed that Co-B NPs are located into the pores with average size of 2.5 nm, while XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of the catalyst powder. The pore coverage by Co-B NPs was established by BET surface area measurement. H2 generation rate of FSM supported Co-B NPs was found to be significantly superior than that of unsupported and nonporous silica supported Co-B catalyst.