Self-supported Cu(OH)₂@Co₂CO₃(OH)₂ core-shell nanowire array as a robust catalyst for ammonia-borane hydrolysis

High hydrogen content and long-term stability in aqueous solutions make ammonia-borane (AB) a promising hydrogen-storage material. It is highly attractive but still challenging to develop efficient catalysts for real-time and controllable hydrogen release from AB solution under mild conditions. Herein, we describe the use of a three-dimensional hierarchical Cu(OH) 2 @Co 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 core-shell nanowire array on copper foam (denoted as Cu(OH) 2 @Co 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 /CF) as a highly efficient catalyst for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB. The Cu(OH) 2 @Co 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 /CF works as an on/off switch for on-demand hydrogen generation with a low activation energy of 44.3 KJ mol -1 and a turnover frequency of 39.72 mol (H2) /mol (cat.) /min. It also maintains activity and integration after long-term usage.