Catalytic Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane: An Integrated Undergraduate Experiment on Hydrogen Production and Utilization

Ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) is a chemical hydrogen storage material with high hydrogen content, low molecular weight, and good stability. Herein, an undergraduate laboratory experiment was designed for students in materials science, chemical engineering, energy science, and related disciplines to demonstrate H2 production from AB hydrolysis and its application. A Pd/C nanocomposite was employed as a catalyst in the experiment that integrates kinetic analysis with practical utilization. Students first recorded H2-production curves and determined key parameters of turnover frequency and activation energy and then used the generated H2 to power a small fuel-cell car. The entire experiment was completed within approximately 4 h. Through this experiment, students may develop essential experimental skills and gain a systematic understanding of H2 generation from AB hydrolysis and its applications.