AMORPHOUS Ni/C MICROSPHERES FOR CATALYTIC HYDROGEN GENERATION THROUGH HYDROLYSIS OF AMMONIA BORANE AND ELECTROCHEMICAL OXIDATION OF UREA

Abstract

The amorphous nickel/carbon microspheres (Ni/C-MSs) were synthesized through dehydration and carbonization of glucose at high temperature and high pressure. The obtained Ni/C-MSs and the Ni/C-800-MSs (calcined at 800[Formula: see text]C) were thoroughly characterized on morphology, composition and catalytic performance. It is found that the Ni/C-MSs showed good catalytic performance for hydrogen generation from aqueous H3NBH3 at room temperature. Urea was oxidized electrocatalytically by Ni/C-800-MSs in alkaline medium, indicating a viable method for wastewater remediation and simultaneous production of valuable hydrogen.