Catalytic and Photocatalytic Electrospun Nanofibers for Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane Complex: A Review

Hydrogen (H2) is a promising renewable energy source that can replace fossil fuels since it can solve several environmental and economic issues. However, the widespread usage of H2 is constrained by its storage and safety issues. Many researchers consider solid materials with an excellent capacity for H2 storage and generation as the solution for most H2-related issues. Among solid materials, ammonia borane (abbreviated hereafter as AB) is considered one of the best hydrogen storage materials due to its extraordinary H2 content and small density. However, the process must be conducted in the presence of efficient catalysts to obtain a reasonable amount of generated H2. Electrospun nanofibrous catalysts are a new class of efficient catalysts that involves the usage of polymers. Here, a comprehensive review of the ceramic-supported electrospun NF catalysts for AB hydrolysis is presented, with a special focus on catalytic and photolytic performance and preparation steps. Photocatalytic AB hydrolysis was discussed in detail due to its importance and promising results. AB photocatalytic hydrolysis mechanisms under light were also explained. Electrospun catalysts show excellent activity for AB hydrolysis with good recyclability. Kinetics studies show that the AB hydrolysis reaction is independent of AB concentration and the first-order reaction of NF catalysts.