Highly active nanoporous Co–B–TiO2 framework for hydrolysis of NaBH4

In this study, a nanoporous Co–B–TiO2 framework was prepared by in-situ chemical reduction under sonication. After the introduction of nano-TiO2 particles to a Co–B alloy, the specific surface area of the composite was substantially improved from 47.2 to 89.6 m2/g. The morphology was also changed from aggregated nanoparticles to a nanoporous framework. Furthermore, the catalytic activity was significantly enhanced for the hydrolysis of NaBH4. A high rate of hydrogen generation was found at 1980 mLmin−1 g−1 at 30 °C in a 5 wt% NaOH+1.5 wt% NaBH4 solution, and the rate was much faster than those obtained with undoped Co–B catalysts. The activation energy of the hydrolysis was 30.93 kJ/mol, which is comparable to that of noble metal-based catalysts. The stability of the fabricated composite catalyst was also explored.