Characterization of Fluorescent Indicators in the Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane Catalyzed by Metal Nanoparticles

Abstract

Record ID: 276

Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship; Excellence in Research Communication

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: Hydrolysis of ammonia borane (NH3BH3) to produce hydrogen (H2) is a key mechanism within practical uses of hydrogen storage, which has emerged as a promising renewable energy carrier. Ammonia borane has been identified as a material-based, chemical hydrogen storage compound due to its high hydrogen content, low weight, and stable features. The hydrolysis of ammonia borane requires catalytic activation to be observed at ambient conditions with noble-metal nanoparticles as a highly effective catalyst choice. An effective improvement in the hydrolysis has been demonstrated using Pt-based nanoparticles which were implemented in this study. Fluorescent indication of the hydrolysis reaction is adopted to monitor and sense the progress of the hydrolysis reaction. The fluorescent properties of the indicators change as the hydrolysis reactions proceed. This study investigates and compares two such fluorescent indicators for monitoring the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.