Enhanced Hydrogen Generation in Borohydride Hydrolysis Using an Efficient and Reusable Ia-Cnt Supported Co-Mo Catalyst

Abstract

This study explored the synthesis and catalytic performance of an itaconic acid (IA)-modified, carbon nanotubesupported Co-Mo-B catalyst (IA-CNT@Co-Mo-B) for hydrogen generation via NaBH4 and KBH4 hydrolysis. The catalyst was tailored to improve efficiency and address renewable energy challenges. The catalyst's performance was evaluated by varying the catalyst amounts, temperatures, and concentrations of NaOH, KOH, NaBH4, and KBH4. Comprehensive characterization techniques were employed, including FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM/EDX, TEM, XPS, and BET. FE-SEM imaging revealed regions with highly ordered and aligned structures within the IA-CNT matrix, likely due to the effective doping of Co, Mo, and B. BET analysis revealed a significant surface area of 71.56 m(2) g(-1) and a pore diameter of 16.57 nm, categorizing the IA-CNT@Co-Mo-B catalyst as mesoporous, which enhanced its catalytic activity. This catalyst achieved high hydrogen generation rates (HGR) of 5.3 L g(metal)(-1) min(-1) with NaBH4 and 7.2 L g(metal)(-1) min(-1) with KBH4 at 30 degrees C. Activation energies were determined to be 24.58 kJ mol(-1) for NaBH4 and 20.38 kJ mol(-1) for KBH4, with respective reaction orders of 0.3 and 0.8. The reusability tests demonstrated stability over ten cycles, emphasizing its industrial potential for clean energy technologies.