Hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH4 solution on Co–Mo–Pd–B amorphous catalyst with efficient catalytic properties

Mo-modified Co–Pd–B (Co–Mo–Pd–B) and Pd-modified Co–B (Co–Pd–B) catalyst powders are synthesized by chemical reduction of cobalt and molybdenum salt at ambient conditions. The resulting catalyst powders are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and BET surface area measurement. The study on the catalytic efficiency of amorphous Co–Mo–Pd–B catalyst powders is performed in hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The Co–Mo–Pd–B powders show the highest hydrogen generation rate as compared to Co–B, Co–Mo–B, and Co–Pd–B catalyst powders. Kinetic studies on the hydrolysis reaction of NaBH4 with Co–Mo–Pd–B catalyst reveal that the concentrations of both NaBH4 and NaOH have essentially no evident effects on hydrogen generation rate. The promoting effect of Mo in Co–Mo–Pd–B catalyst results in lower activation energy for hydrogen production, which is 36.36 kJ mol−1 compared to 64.87 kJ mol−1 obtained with pure Co–B powder.

► Mo-modified Co–Pd–B (Co–Mo–Pd–B) catalyst powders prepared by chemical reduction.
► Superior catalytic activity in hydrogen production by hydrolysis of NaBH4.
► High hydrogen generation rate than that of Co–B, Co–Mo–B, and Co–Pd–B catalyst.
► Increased catalytic activity is related to the Mo oxide on the catalyst surface.
► Mo in Co–Mo–Pd–B catalyst results in lower activation energy for hydrogen production.