Reusable NiCo/Cu Catalysts for Sustainable Hydrogen Generation.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Alternative Energy

Background:

• Hydrogen generation is crucial for the alternative energy sector.
• Efficient catalytic materials are essential for hydrogen production via chemical reactions.
• Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) hydrolysis is a promising route for hydrogen generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate nickel/cobalt-plated copper (NiCo/Cu) catalysts for hydrogen generation.
• To investigate the effect of cobalt loading on catalytic performance in NaBH4 hydrolysis.
• To assess the durability and reaction kinetics of the developed catalysts.

Main Methods:

• Electroless deposition using glycine-based baths with Ni2+ and Co2+ ions.
• Morpholine borane (MB) as the reducing agent for catalyst synthesis.
• Testing catalytic activity and stability in alkaline NaBH4 hydrolysis at 343 K.

Main Results:

• Catalytic performance correlated positively with cobalt loading, up to 90 wt.%.
• Maximum hydrogen production rate of 14.22 L min⁻¹ gcat⁻¹ achieved with 90 wt.% Co catalyst.
• Activation energy was determined to be 52.5 kJ mol⁻¹, and catalyst retained 88% activity after five cycles.

Conclusions:

• NiCo/Cu catalysts exhibit high efficiency and durability for hydrogen generation via NaBH4 hydrolysis.
• The synergistic effect between nickel and cobalt enhances catalytic activity.
• These catalysts show significant promise for applications in the alternative energy industry.