Silicon carbide (β-SiC) was synthesized through an improved sol–gel method, then Ni/SiC catalysts were prepared using a hydrothermal method. The catalysts were characterized using TEM, H2- TPR, CO2- TPD and N2- TPD, etc. The results showed that the synthesized β-SiC had a large specific surface area, promoting the dispersion of Ni species and thus exposing more active sites. The interaction between Ni species and β-SiC contributed significantly to catalytic performance. Furthermore, the strong alkalinity of catalyst could adjust the bond energy of the active metal and N (M–N), which were conducive to desorption of the recombinant N2 from the metal surface, promoting to ammonia decomposition. Among the Ni/SiC catalysts, 30Ni/SiC-700 synthesized with the Ni loading of 30 wt% and calcination temperature of 700 °C, exhibited the optimal ammonia conversion rate of 93.4% at 600 °C under the space speed of 30,000 mL∙gcat −1∙h−1, and demonstrated a long-term stability, suggesting a very promising catalyst in ammonia decomposition.

A series of ZIF-67-C-IL catalysts were prepared using ZIF-67 and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] imide ([ BMIM]NTf2) ionic liquid as precursors. The structure of the catalysts was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM and XPS. The catalytic performance of the catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated in a three-electrode system. The results confirmed that the high-temperature treatment of the precursors resulted in the formation of N, S codoped carbon-encapsulated Co9S8 nanoparticles. To create N, S co-doped carbon coated Co9S8 nanoparticle catalysts, ionic liquids are used as sulfur and nitrogen sources. The catalytic activity of ORR can be improved using N, S co-doped carbon to prevent the aggregation of Co9S8 nanoparticles. Graphitized and N, S co-doped carbon shells are optimal for achieving high activity stability. Optimal 600-ZIF-67-C(1:1.5)-30IL catalytic activity was observed for ORR. The half-wave potential of ORR was 0.88 V vs. RHE in 0.1 mol L− 1 KOH, with a limit current density of 4.70 mA cm− 2. Similar ORR electrocatalytic activity was observed between this catalyst and commercial Pt/C (20 wt%).