Hydrogen generation utilizing alkaline sodium borohydride solution and supported cobalt catalyst

Supported Co catalysts with different supports were prepared for hydrogen generation (HG) from catalytic hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride solution. As a result, we found that a γ-Al2O3 supported Co catalyst was very effective because of its special structure. A maximum HG rate of 220 mL min−1 g−1 catalyst and approximately 100% efficiency at 303 K were achieved using a Co/γ-Al2O3 catalyst containing 9 wt.% Co. The catalyst has quick response and good durability to the hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH4 solution. It is feasible to use this catalyst in hydrogen generators with stabilized NaBH4 solutions to provide on-site hydrogen with desired rate for mobile applications, such as proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems.