Hydrogen generation from catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride solution using Cobalt–Copper–Boride (Co–Cu–B) catalysts

Co–Cu–B, as a catalyst toward hydrolysis of sodium borohydride solution, has been prepared through chemical reduction of metal salts, CoCl2·6H2O and CuCl2, by an alkaline solution composed of 7.5wt% NaBH4 and 7.5wt% NaOH. The effects of Co/Cu molar ratio, calcination temperature, NaOH and NaBH4 concentration and reaction temperature on catalytic activity of Co–Cu–B for hydrogen generation from alkaline NaBH4 solution have been studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm have been employed to understand the results. The Co–Cu–B catalyst with a Co/Cu molar ratio of 3:1 and calcinated at 400 °C showed the best catalytic activity at ambient temperature. The activation energy of this catalytic reaction is calculated to be 49.6 kJ mol−1.