RuCo@Expanded Perlite Nanocatalyst for Sustainable Hydrogen Generation via Methanolysis of Ammonia Borane

RuCo nanoclusters supported on expanded perlite (EP) were synthesized and evaluated as efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation via the methanolysis of ammonia borane (AB). EP, an inexpensive and environmentally benign support, was modified to enhance its surface properties and subsequently employed for metal loading. The resulting RuCo@EP catalyst exhibited good activity, achieving a hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 5487 mL g-1 min-1 and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 94.5 h-1 at 30 degrees C. Comprehensive kinetic studies revealed that the reaction follows first-order kinetics with respect to AB concentration, with an apparent activation energy of 47.07 kJ mol-1. Structural and morphological analyses (XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, and BET) supported the successful incorporation and relatively uniform distribution of Ru and Co nanoparticles on the perlite surface. These findings demonstrate that RuCo@EP is a cost-effective and highly active catalyst, highlighting the potential of natural mineral supports for sustainable hydrogen generation.