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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
A Simple, Low-cost, and Robust System to Measure the Volume of Hydrogen Evolved by Chemical Reactions with Aqueous Solutions
Published on: August 17, 2016
Photocatalytic hydrogen production from sodium borohydride using low carbon footprint substrate Azadirachta indica
Heba M Salem1, Dina M Abd El-Aty1, E G Zaki1,2
1Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
The shortcomings of traditional energy systems drive the transition toward sustainable energy sources. This study explores the production of hydrogen, an environmentally friendly energy source, through the photo-hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4), known for its non-toxic nature and high hydrogen storage capacity. The photoreaction is facilitated by visible light, utilizing nano-alumina or zirconia as catalysts. A novel approach is introduced, employing a cost-effective and eco-friendly oil as a template for nano-catalyst synthesis. The resulting catalyst is thoroughly characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2-adsorption-desorption, Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Experimental parameters including catalyst weight, NaBH4 concentration, and irradiation time are systematically varied to optimize the photo-hydrolysis reaction efficiency. A hydrogen generation rate of 344 mL min-1 g-1 is achieved with zirconium oxide ZrO2, while Aluminum oxide Al2O3 exhibits a higher rate of 370 mL min-1 g-1.
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