Enhanced performance and recyclability of cobalt nanoparticles mesoporous Catalyst supported on mechanochemically prepared CoFe2O4–Co3O4 for sodium borohydride hydrolysis

Sodium borohydride, recognized as a promising hydrogen carrier, has attracted significant attention for its hydrolysis process, which holds immense potential for industrialization. This process offers a viable alternative to methane steam reforming, a technology plagued by various operational challenges. This research focuses on developing Co/(CoFe₂O₄–Co₃O₄) catalysts with varying weight percentages to enhance the efficiency of this hydrogen generation process. To thoroughly characterize the synthesized catalysts, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, TGA, and BET analytical techniques. The results revealed that the catalysts exhibited mesoporous structures across weight percentages ranging from 1 to 10, and their crystal network was determined to be face-centered cubic. XRD pattern analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the desired catalyst with a high degree of purity. Using the Scherrer equation, the particle size of the catalyst was calculated to be between 30 and 40 nm. A cobalt loading of 7.5% on (CoFe₂O₄–Co₃O₄) resulted in optimal performance, with a hydrogen production rate of 1646.3 ml min⁻¹ g⁻¹ and an activation energy of 57.2 kJmol^-1. Reactor testing of the catalyst, employing a water displacement method, demonstrated a favorable hydrogen production rate and a high power output when compared to similar catalysts. These findings suggest practical applications for this catalyst in hydrogen generation systems.