Tungsten(VI) oxide supported rhodium nanoparticles: Highly active catalysts in hydrogen generation from ammonia borane

Herein, we report the use of tungsten(VI) oxide (WO3) as support for Rh0 nanoparticles. The resulting Rh0/WO3 nanoparticles are highly active and stable catalysts in H2 generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB). We present the results of our investigation on the particle size distribution, catalytic activity and stability of Rh0/WO3 catalysts with 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% wt. Rh loadings in the hydrolysis reaction. The results reveal that Rh-0/WO3 (0.5% wt. Rh) is very promising catalyst providing a turnover frequency of 749 min-1 in releasing 3.0 equivalent H2 per mole of AB from the hydrolysis at 25.0 C-circle. The high catalytic activity of Rh-0/WO3 catalyst is attributed to the reducible nature of support. The report covers the results of kinetics study as well as comparative investigation of activity, recyclability, and reusability of colloidal(0) nanoparticles and Rh-0/WO3 (0.5 % wt. Rh) catalyst in the hydrolysis reaction.