In this paper, CuO hollow microspheres with different shell thickness and porosity have been synthesized using carbonaceous saccharide microspheres as templates according to a modified literature method. These CuO hollow microspheres were characterized and their catalytic properties in the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) were examined. A kinetic study indicated that a maximum hydrogen generation rate of 294 mL H-2 min(-1)(g catalyst)(-1) can be achieved at 45 +/- 0.2 degrees C in the present system, which is comparable with that for other reported Cu based catalysts. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.