One-step synthesis of magnetically recyclable rGO supported Cu@Co core–shell nanoparticles: highly efficient catalysts for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane and methylamine borane

Abstract

In this study, well dispersed Cu@Co core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) on rGO surfaces were successfully synthesized via a one-step in situ procedure using methylamine borane (MeAB) as reductant under ambient conditions. The Cu@Co/rGO NPs exhibit superior catalytic activity than their alloy (CuCo/rGO) and graphene-free (Cu@Co) counterparts toward the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane (AB). Additionally, compared with the NPs reduced by AB, the as-synthesized Cu@Co/rGO NPs generated by the weaker reducing agent MeAB exhibit higher catalytic activities. Furthermore, the as-synthesized NPs exerted satisfactory catalytic activities and recycle stabilities for the hydrolysis of MeAB. Moreover, this general method indicates that MeAB can be used as both a potential hydrogen storage material and an efficient reductant which can be easily extended to the facile preparation of other rGO-supported metal NPs.