Enhanced hydrogen chemisorption and spillover on non-metallic nickel subnanoclusters

Abstract

Very fine Ni nanoparticles including subnanoclusters are dispersed in zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC), by thermal decomposition (573 K) of nickelocene pre-loaded on ZTC which functions as a high-surface area support. X-ray absorption fine structure reveals that the Ni species formed by the thermal decomposition is in a unique oxidized state. It is different from nickelocene, Ni metal, or any other inorganic Ni species. The unique Ni species can dissociatively adsorb H₂, and enhance the following spillover even under ambient conditions. The spillover activity of the non-metallic Ni subnanoclusters is superior to that of Ni-metal nanoparticles and even comparable to that of Pt nanoparticles.