Roles of Sn-promoter and carbon nanotubes treatment on supported CoB catalysts for hydrogen production

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported CoB and CoBSn catalysts were synthesized for hydrogen production via NaBH₄ hydrolysis. The roles of Sn-promoter and the effect of CNTs treatment on CoB catalysts were evaluated and discussed. It is found that after the addition of Sn promoter, the specific surface area and the generation of active CoB phase are increased, while the oxidation treatment of CNTs results in more loading amounts of active components and enrichment of electron at active sites as well as large surface area. Consequently, the Sn-doped CoB catalysts supported on CNTs with oxidation treatment exhibits a significantly improved activity with a high H₂ generation rate of 2640 mL/(min·g). Meanwhile, this catalyst shows a low activation energy of 43.7 kJ/mol and relatively high reusability.