Preparation of Y-zeolite/CoCl2 doped PVDF composite nanofiber and its application in hydrogen production

Hydrogen production from NaBH4 hydrolysis is very important for environment-friendly fuel cells. Here Y-zeolite/CoCl2 doped PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) composite nanofibers were prepared by co-electrospinning method and successfully applied into hydrogen production from NaBH4 hydrolysis. The effect of Y-zeolite doping on properties of composite nanofibers was investigated in detail. SEM, EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and FT-IR characterization showed that nanosized crystalline Y-zeolite can be doped into the bulk of composite nanofiber and high-quality composite nanofiber with fine morphologies can be obtained. The doping of Y-zeolite can improve the wetting ability of PVDF-based nanofiber and thus help to the diffusion rate of reactants. This Y-zeolite/CoCl2 doped electrospun nanofiber as catalyst were applied into hydrogen production from NaBH4 hydrolysis and exhibits higher catalytic activity compared with that without Y-zeolite doping due to its improved surface hydrophilicity. Meanwhile, this composite nanofiber catalyst shows relatively good stability in hydrogen production without obvious loss of Y-zeolite.

► Y-zeolite/CoCl2 doped PVDF-base composite nanofibers were successfully synthesized via co-electrospinning method.
► The wetting properties of PVDF-based composite fibers can be improved by the doping of hydrophilic nano-crystalline Y-zeolite.
► Y-zeolite doping into PVDF-based catalyst helped to the diffusion of water molecules to the catalyst surface.
► Y-zeolite doped composite nanofibers exhibit higher catalytic activity compared that without Y-zeolite doping.
► Y-zeolite doped composite nanofibers showed good structural stability during the recycling operation without the obvious loss of Y-zeolite.