Efficient hydrogen production via hydrolysis of NaBH4 by the Co/Co3O4–Cu2O–ZnO catalyst prepared using mixed metal oxides as support material

In this study, we investigate for the first time the catalytic activity of the Co/Co₃O₄–Cu₂O–ZnO catalyst in hydrogen production from the hydrolysis of NaBH₄. After the Co₃O₄–CuO–ZnO support material was synthesized by the chemical precipitation method, the impregnation method was used to dope Co on the support material. Morphological and structural analyses of the Co/Co₃O₄–Cu₂O–ZnO catalyst were investigated by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and BET methods. Then, activity tests of the catalyst were performed in an H₂ generation system. The hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of the Co/Co₃O₄–Cu₂O–ZnO catalyst was found 4698 ml min⁻¹ gcat⁻¹ at 25°C. After the HGR measurements at 25, 35, 45, and 55°C the activation energy of the Co/Co₃O₄–Cu₂O–ZnO catalyst was calculated as 28.05 kJ mol⁻¹. In addition, the HGR value had reached a high value such as 12,920 ml min⁻¹ gcat⁻¹ at 55°C.

Graphical abstract