Comparison investigation of Co-based catalysts for the catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

Catalyzed borohydride hydrolysis is a perspective method for hydrogen-on demand production. The produced hydrogen is with high purity, the process requires no energy and its kinetics can be easily controlled by proper catalysts. In this study, three Co-based nanocomposites (CoMnB, CoNiMnB and CoNiMoW) electrodeposited on nickel foam were investigated as catalysts for borohydride hydrolysis. Kinetics of the catalyzed reaction was investigated by water-displacement method at different temperatures from 16 degrees C to 40 degrees C. The highest hydrogen generation rates of 0,9 ml/min at 16 degrees C and 2,1 ml/min at 40 degrees C was obtained with CoNiMnB catalyst. At the same time, the process takes place with the lowest activation energy of 36,9 kJ/mol with this catalyst. The obtained results show that CoNiMnB-electrodeposits possess the highest catalytic activity among studied materials and can be used as a catalyst in hydrogen-on-demand generators for portable applications.