Magnetically separable and recyclable urchin-like Co-P hollow nanocomposites for catalytic hydrogen generation

One-pot well-controlled synthetic strategy was developed to achieve urchin-like Co-P hollow nanocomposites with tailorable magnetic properties which enable them to perform as magnetically recyclable nanocatalysts in a "quasi-homogeneous" system for the catalytic hydrogen generation via hydrolysis of Ammonia-Borane (AB). The key point of this strategy was that ferromagnetic Co nanoparticles (NPs) were embedded into paramagnetic CO2P matrix to form magnetic nanocomposites. The as-prepared Co-P NPs showed appreciable catalytic activity, recyclability and durability in hydrolysis of AB. Moreover, the chemical regeneration of AB from the "hydrolyzate" may also benefit from these magnetically recyclable catalysts. We further highlighted the excellent high-temperature resistance of Co-P NPs by calcining them at 300 degrees C and 600 degrees C. Our research may facilitate the practical application of AS as a sustainable hydrogen storage material for hydrogen-based energy. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.