Utilization of superabsorbent xanthan films cross-linked with Ru0 nanoparticles for hydrogen generation from ammonia borane

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-04, Vol.61, p.367-376
• Main Authors: Ozay, Hava, Tercan, Melek, Ozay, Ozgur
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ammonia borane; Catalyst; Hydrogel; Ruthenium nanoparticles; Xanthan biopolymer
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.340

Xanthan is a biopolymer that can easily gelified even at low concentrations owing to its great number of hydroxyl groups it carries. Preparation of ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs) stabilized in xanthan biopolymer chains was performed as a result of the interaction of xanthan functional groups and the Ru3+ ions that act as a cross linking agent. The prepared Xthn@Ru0 biocomposite film was used as catalyst in hydrogen generation via ammonia borane (NH3·BH3) hydrolysis. Xthn@Ru0 biocomposite film catalyst with Ru0 metal composition of 2 mg carried out the hydrolysis of NH3·BH3 (50 mM) with 100% efficiency. The activation energy (Ea) of the Xthn@Ru0 biocomposite film catalyzed NH3·BH3 hydrolysis reaction was determined to be 38.8 kJ mol−1 and the TOF value to be 29.14 mol H2·(mol Ru0·min)−1 at 30 °C. The Ru0 metal content, morphology, elemental distribution, crystal properties and the oxidation state of the surface elements of Xthn@Ru0 biocomposite catalyst were investigated by various techniques. In addition to examining the NH3·BH3 amount, catalyst amount and temperature effect for the Xthn@Ru0 biocomposite film catalyzed NH3·BH3 hydrolysis reaction, reusability and storing studies were carried out. The prepared Xthn@Ru0 film catalyst with a biodegradable polymer and low Ru0 metal composition, catalyzed NH3·BH3 hydrolysis reaction without a significant decrease in its beginning activity even after long storage periods. [Display omitted] •Xthn@Ru0 thin film catalyst was used for hydrogen production reaction.•Xthn@Ru0 is effective catalyst in hydrolysis of ammonia borane.•Xthn@Ru0 had 92% activity after 10 catalytic cycles.