Metal Ruthenate Perovskites as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane

Ammonia borane (NH₃-BH₃) is of interest as a hydrogen storage material because of its ease of use and its ability to release three molar equivalents of H₂(g) via catalytic hydrolysis. Most heterogeneous catalysts for ammonia borane hydrolysis are nanoparticles containing expensive noble metals. Here, we show that metal ruthenate perovskites function as active and durable catalysts for ammonia borane hydrolysis. As a bulk powder, CaRuO₃ catalyzes the hydrolysis of ammonia borane at room temperature and is recyclable and reusable. CaRuO₃ facilitates the release of H₂(g) from aqueous ammonia borane solutions at comparable rates to some other heterogeneous catalyst systems while having a low noble metal content. Other ruthenium-based perovskites, including SrRuO₃, Ca₂LaRuO₆, Sr₂CoRuO₆, and SrLaCoRuO₆, are similarly active catalysts for room-temperature ammonia borane hydrolysis.