Nanostructured palladium/polypyrrole composite paper for enhanced catalytic hydrogen generation from ammonia borane

“Mass transfer in catalyst supports”and “reactive sites”are two critical factors for supported thin film catalysts. Based on such considerations, paper composed of cellulose fibers (CFs) is chosen as a competent nano-catalyst carrier because its broad porous structure is conducive to mass transfer. Then a facile aquatic synergistic synthesis is developed to decorate polypyrrole (PPy) encapsulated palladium nano-composites onto the CF paper structures. The pyrrole monomers (Py) reduce Pd2+ to Pd nanoparticles in aqueous solution, and meanwhile the Pd2+ initiates the polymerization of Py to PPy. In the as-prepared composite paper catalysts, the broad pores constructed by the microfibers facilitate the reactant diffusion and the Pd/PPy nanoparticles supported on the fibers provide more reactive sites for catalysis. As a result, the catalytic activity for hydrolysis of ammonia borane is improved. The H2 turnover frequency is 21.1 mol H2 mol Pd−1 min−1, surpassed most other Pd based film catalysts. Importantly, excellent stability and reproducibility are also realized by the immobilization of Pd NPs by PPy layers onto fibers. •Nanostructured Pd/PPy composite paper is fabricated for hydrogen generation.•Broad pores constructed by rough fibers extend the paths for reactant diffusion.•Higher catalytic activity than most other Pd based film catalysts is achieved.•Ace stability and reproducibility are realized by immobilization of Pd by PPy.