Catalytic effects in the generation of hydrogen from NaBH4

Abstract

NaBH4 is a hydrogen storage material. Hydrolysis of NaBH4 generates high-purity humidified hydrogen suitable for use in PEM fuel cells. Sodium borohydride can be stabilized in alkaline solution without hydrogen generation. Catalysts are used to generate hydrogen from stabilized solution (theoretical hydrogen content 10.8 wt. %). In this study cobalt based catalysts (Co, Co-Ni, Co-Cr, Co-Mo) have been prepared by reduction of metal ions in alcoholic solution by using NaBH4. These catalysts were employed for the hydrolysis of alkaline solution of NaBH4 and the activity was compared with that of commercial Co powder. Among the examined catalysts Co-Mo system is found to be active for the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride.