Cobalt–nickel–phosphorus supported on Pd-activated TiO2 (Co–Ni–P/Pd-TiO2) as cost-effective and reusable catalyst for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride solution

Catalytically active, low-cost, and reusable transition metal catalysts are desired to develop on-demand hydrogen generation system for practical onboard applications. Electrolessly deposited Pd-activated TiO2-supported Co–Ni–P ternary alloy catalyst (Co–Ni–P/Pd-TiO2) is employed as catalyst in the hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride solution. The catalyst is found to be isolable, redispersible, and reusable in the hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH4. The reported work also includes the full experimental details for the collection of a wealth of kinetic data to determine the activation energy (Ea = 57.0 kJ/mol) and effects of the amount of catalyst, amount of substrate, and temperature on the rate for the catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH4. Maximum H2 generation rate of ∼460 mL H2 min−1 (g catalyst)−1 and ∼3780 mL H2 min−1 (g catalyst)−1 was measured by the hydrolysis of NaBH4 at 25 °C and 55 °C, respectively.

► Electroless Co–Ni–P supported on TiO2 (Co–Ni–P/Pd-TiO2) demonstrated as highly active for the catalysis of the hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride for hydrogen production.
► Catalyst shown to be reusable with minimal loss of activity for several cycles.
► Sodium hydroxide concentration level found critical to the rate of catalyzed hydrolysis of sodium borohydride.
► Arrhenius activation energy of 57 kJ/mol determined for the hydrolysis of 0.3 M sodium borohydride in 10% NaOH solution and catalyzed by Co–Ni–P/Pd-TiO2.