Sodium borohydride hydrolysis on highly efficient Co–B/Pd catalysts

Cobalt–Boron (Co–B) catalysts are prepared on the nickel foam substrate (NiFS) by in situ reduction of Co2+ ions in sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution for the catalytic generation of hydrogen from NaBH4. The formation of Co–B catalysts on the substrate is much faster by using a dip-coating and extended drying (“dry-dip-coating method”) followed by chemical reduction as compared to that prepared by a conventional dip-coating method followed by chemical reduction. The dry treatment results in a significant reduction in the re-dissolution of the dip-coated Co–B catalysts during the following dipping processes. Co–B catalysts on Pd modified NiFS have also been prepared using dry-dip-coating method. The factors affecting the performance of the catalysts such as dipping time, calcination temperature, Co–B loadings, Pd formation time and operating temperature, are studied. The best catalytic activity and stability is obtained on Co–B on Pd modified NiFS.