Highly active NiCo alloy hexagonal nanoplates with crystal plane selective dehydrogenation and visible-light photocatalysis

Uniform NiCo alloy hexagonal nanoplates were synthesized through a formaldehyde molecule controlled growth process. They are investigated as a crystal plane selective dehydrogenation catalyst for potential hydrogen energy applications and visible-light synergistic catalysts for nano-ZnO. The resultant NiCo alloy hexagonal nanoplates exert highly efficient crystal plane selective catalytic activity and long-term stability for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of aqueous ammonia borane under ambient atmosphere at room temperature. Additionally, they exhibit crystal plane selective visible-light-driven enhanced catalysis enhancement for nano-ZnO towards the degradation of methylene blue solution. These results suggest the importance of the rational design and synthesis of NiCo alloy hexagonal nanoplates for high performance hydrogen energy and visible-light-driven catalysis applications.