Preparation of monodispersed cobalt–boron spherical nanoparticles and their behavior during the catalytic decomposition of hydrous hydrazine

Monodispersed cobalt–boron spherical nanoparticles have been prepared through solution plasma processing in the presence of hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide for the first time. The particle size of cobalt–boron can be adjusted by changing either the plasma time or the concentration of hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. During the decomposition of hydrous hydrazine, the obtained monodispersed cobalt–boron spherical nanoparticles exhibit higher catalytic activity and hydrogen selectivity than regular cobalt–boron prepared by direct reduction of Co2+ with BH4−. The experimental investigations indicate that hydrous hydrazine along with the monodispersed cobalt–boron spherical nanoparticles may find application in small-scale on-board hydrogen storage and supply.