The effect of an electroless-deposited Co-P/Ni foam catalyst on H-2 generation kinetics in ammonia borane (NH3BH3) solution and the cyclic behaviour (durability) of the catalyst are investigated. The electroless deposited Co-P is composed of an inner flat layer and outer layer that consists of an aggregate of spherical particles. The H-2 generation rate/projected area of the Co-P/Ni foam catalyst is much higher than that of a Co-P/Cu sheet catalyst. The activation energy (E-a) for the hydrolysis of NH3BH3 using the Co-P/Ni foam catalyst is calculated to be 48 kJ mol(-1). After the first cycle, the H-2 generation rate decreases dramatically, due to a decrease in surface area caused by the partial separation of spherical Co-P particles. by 16%, due to a decrease in surface area caused by the partial separation of spherical Co-P particles. Between the first and sixth cycles, the H-2 generation rate decreases gradually (by 14%) on account of a decrease in the number of P atoms that create active metallic Co sites on catalytic surface. After six cycles, about 70% of the initial H-2 generation rate remains constant. The study reveals a promising means of hydrogen generation for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.