Abstract Detail

Abstract

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of atomically dispersed CoCu active sites supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB). Addressing the challenges of hydrogen storage and release, we demonstrate that CoCu bimetallic catalysts exhibit enhanced catalytic activity and stability compared to their monometallic counterparts. The CoCu catalyst was synthesized using a one-pot pyrolysis method, resulting in a high metal loading and exceptional performance in hydrogen generation. The catalyst demonstrated a remarkable turnover frequency (TOF) and maintained its activity over multiple cycles, indicating strong resistance to agglomeration, with a max generation rate of 42,306 mL×gcat-1×min-1 and TOF of 42 min-1 were obtained. Characterization techniques, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, revealed the structural and electronic properties of the active sites. Density functional theory modeling elucidated the mechanisms behind the synergistic effects of CoCu pairs, providing insights into the design of high-performance catalysts for hydrogen release. This work advances the understanding of non-precious metal catalysts and contributes to the development of efficient hydrogen storage solutions, supporting the transition towards a hydrogen economy.

Biography

Dr. Chi-Wing Tsang is currently employed at The Hong Kong Institute of Higher Education (THEi) as the Program Leader for Green Engineering and Sustainability Programme. Dr. Tsang is a Chartered Engineer (UK) and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He graduated from the Department of Chemistry at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and obtained his doctoral degree. He later completed a Master's degree in Process Engineering and Management at the University of Strathclyde in UK. Dr. Tsang has over 10 years of industry experience, including research and development in energy, energy management, chemical process management at the Research and Development Department of Towngas in Hong Kong, and carbon reduction research at the National Laboratory in Canada. His research areas include the development of hydrogen storage materials, catalytic hydrogen production, synthesis of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, and emission reduction technologies. Since joining THEi in 2016, he has been awarded multiple government-funded research projects on new energy and hydrogen storage materials. He has published articles on new energy, biomass energy, and hydrogen energy. He has served as a guest editor and associate editor for several academic journals, including Materials, Catalysts, Frontiers in Chemical Engineering, and others.