A review of transition-metal boride/phosphide-based materials for catalytic hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of boron-hydrides

Efficient hydrogen generation and storage is an essential prerequisite of a future hydrogen economy. Boron hydrides feature high volumetric density and high hydrogen generation, making them a promising candidate for chemical hydrogen storage. The development of efficient non-noble metal catalysts for on-demand hydrogen release through boron-hydride hydrolysis under mild conditions has received extensive interest. Transition-metal boride/phosphide based materials are attractive due to their advantages of earth-abundant elements, considerable catalytic activity, high stability and low cost. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the synthesis of transition metal boride/phosphide based catalysts and their application in catalyzing hydrolysis of boron hydrides. We highlight a number of strategies to enhance the catalytic efficiency and stability of metal boride/phosphide catalysts, such as component optimizing, structure tailoring and substrate engineering. Remarkably, the supported Co-W-B catalyst enables a high H 2 release rate of 15 000 mL min −1 g −1 and an activation energy lower than 30 kJ mol −1 towards the hydrolysis of NaBH 4 . Furthermore, the main concerns and issues like identifying a real catalytic activity center and revealing the catalytic mechanisms are also discussed, along with perspectives on future research in this field. Efficient hydrogen generation and storage is an essential prerequisite of a future hydrogen economy.