RuCo Nanoparticles\nImmobilized on Carbon Nanocuboids\nas Catalysts for H<sub>2</sub> Evolution

It is a matter of high significance to develop on-demand\nH<sub>2</sub> evolution from chemical hydrogen storage materials for\nefficiently\navoiding the safety risks and high costs in the process of H<sub>2</sub> storage and transport, which has important scientific significance\nand application value for the safe and effective use of H<sub>2</sub>. In this study, we have designed and synthesized an RuCo nanocatalyst\nimmobilized onto hollow carbon nanocuboids (RuCo-CNCs) for on-demand\nH<sub>2</sub> evolution from chemical hydrogen storage materials (including\nMe<sub>2</sub>NHBH<sub>3</sub>, NH<sub>3</sub>BH<sub>3</sub>, and\nNaBH<sub>4</sub>). Full physical characterization confirmed that RuCo-CNC-800\nexhibited a nanocuboid-shaped structure, and RuCo bimetallic nanoparticles\nwere successfully immobilized onto nanocuboids. This is advantageous\nto prevent the aggregation of the RuCo nanocatalyst and mass transfer,\nhence boosting its stability and catalytic performance in H<sub>2</sub> evolution. More importantly, the in situ H<sub>2</sub> from chemical\nhydrogen storage materials was successfully applied for the hydrogenation\nreaction, thus eliminating the need for dangerous hydrogen cylinders.\nIn addition, the “on–off” switch for H<sub>2</sub> evolution from Me<sub>2</sub>NHBH<sub>3</sub> hydrolysis over the\nRuCo-CNC-800 nanocatalyst was successfully achieved using the system\nof Zn<sup>2+</sup>/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na).\nThis work not only provides an efficient RuCo nanocatalyst for H<sub>2</sub> evolution but also suggests a feasible method for the safe\nand effective use of H<sub>2</sub>.