Zeolite framework stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters catalyst for the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane in air: Outstanding catalytic activity, reusability and lifetime

Zeolite framework stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters; were prepared by a two steps procedure: incorporation of Rh3+ ions into the Zeolite-Y by ion-exchange followed by in situ reduction of Rh3+ ions during the catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. They are stable enough to be isolated as solid materials and characterized by HRTEM, XPS, XRD, SEM, EDX, and N-2 adsorption. These nanoclusters are isolable, bottleable, redispersible, and reusable as an active catalyst in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane even at low temperatures. Zeolite framework stabilized rhodium(0) nanoclusters; provide exceptional catalytic activity (TOF = 92 mol H-2/mol Rh min) and unprecedented lifetime (TTON = 47200 mol H-2/mol Rh) in the hydrolysis of ammonia-borane at 25 +/- 0.1 degrees C. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.