A Novel and Highly Active Co-Cr@Perlite/GO Catalyst for Sustainable Hydrogen Production via Potassium Borohydride Hydrolysis

This study focuses on evaluating the parameters of hydrogen production through the potassium borohydride (PBH) hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by a newly developed supported catalyst. Perlite was expanded at 900°C, treated with acid, and then coated with graphene oxide through a reflux process, serving as the support material. Cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) metal atoms were subsequently loaded onto the Perlite/GO support via impregnation, resulting in a bimetallic-supported catalyst (Co-Cr@Perlite/GO). The materials were thoroughly characterized using advanced analytical techniques. After determining the key variables for hydrogen production from PBH hydrolysis, the reaction kinetics were investigated. Under optimal conditions (10% KOH concentration, 40 mg catalyst containing 4 mg metal, 2% KBH₄ concentration) at 303 K, the hydrogen production rate from PBH hydrolysis using the synthesized catalyst was measured as 21.012 mL g⁻¹ min⁻¹. Additionally, the reaction followed a zero-order rate equation, with an activation energy of 42.76 kJ mol⁻¹ and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 1221.6 s⁻¹. Even after 5 cycles of catalyst reuse, 100% hydrogen production efficiency was maintained.