Amine-functionalized MIL-53(Al) with embedded ruthenium nanoparticles as a highly efficient catalyst for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane

Well-dispersed ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs) are immobilized within the pores of amine-functionalized MIL-53 via an in situ impregnation-reduction method. The resulting Ru/MIL-53(Al)-NH(2) catalyst exhibits superior catalytic performance for the dehydrogenation of ammonia borane (AB) at ambient temperature relative to the Ru/MIL-53(Al) catalyst; it has a turnover frequency (TOF) of 287 mol H(2) min(−1) (mol Ru)(−1) and an activation energy (E(a)) of 30.5 kJ mol(−1). The amine groups present in the MIL-53(Al)-NH(2) framework facilitate the formation and stabilization of ultra-small Ru NPs by preventing their aggregation. Additionally, the Ru/MIL-53(Al)-NH(2) catalyst exhibits satisfactory durability and reusability: 72.4% and 86.3% of the initial catalytic activity was maintained after the fifth successive cycle of the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of AB in the two respective tests.