Efficient Hydrogen Production via Hydrolysis of NaBH4 by the Co/Co3O4-Cu2O-ZnO Catalyst Prepared Using Mixed Metal Oxides as Support Material

Abstract

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 H-2 generation system. The hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of the Co/Co3O4-Cu2O-ZnO catalyst was found 4698 ml min(-1) gcat(-1) at 25 degrees C. After the HGR measurements at 25, 35, 45, and 55 degrees 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 degrees C.