Hydrogen generation from catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride by a novel Co(II)–Cu(II) based complex catalyst

In the present work, Co(II)–Cu(II) supported salicylaldimine derivatives complex catalysts and their mixtures are tested for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis reaction of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The hydrolysis of NaBH4 with Co(II)–Cu(II) supported complex catalysts is investigated depending on the Co(II)–Cu(II) ratio, NaBH4 concentration, NaOH concentration, temperature and catalyst amount. The results suggested that the optimal mixture percentage of Co(II)–Cu(II) catalyst is 40:60. The obtained complex catalysts are characterized by XRD, FT-IR and SEM techniques and evaluated for their activity for the hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis reaction of NaBH4.

► Co(II)–Cu(II) supported salicylaldimine derivatives complex catalysts were prepared.
► The catalysts were tested for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of NaBH4.
► Co(II)–Cu(II) ratio, NaBH4, NaOH, temperature and catalyst amount effects were investigated.
► The optimal mixture percentage of Co(II)–Cu(II) catalyst was 60:40.
► These catalysts were characterized via XRD, FT-IR and SEM techniques.