Porously hierarchical Cu@Ni cubic-cage microstructures have been fabricated.
Facile solvothermal reduction route was studied by help of structure directing agent.
Catalytic ability of Cu@Ni catalyst was tested by releasing H2 via NH3BH3 hydrolysis.
Cu0.8Ni0.2 has the highest catalytic ability and good durability in the Cu@Ni samples.
Formation mechanism of the Cu@Ni cubic cage microstructure was probed and discussed.