Ru-based bimetallic alloys for hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of sodium tetrahydroborate

The present study contemplates the application of Ru-based bimetallic alloys for hydrogen generation by hydrolysis of sodium tetrahydroborate (NaBH4). Ru and Pt, RuCu, RuPd, RuAg and RuPt (atomic ratio 1:1), PtAg, and RuxPty (atomic ratios x:y of 2:1 or 1:2), all supported over titanium oxide, were prepared. Their activity decreased in the order Ru∼Ru2Pt1 > RuPt∼Ru1Pt2 > RuPd > RuAg∼Pt > RuCu > PtAg. Alloying Ru with an inactive metal like Cu, Pd or Ag did not improve the performances of Ru. The catalytic ability of Ru2Pt1-TiO2 is in the range of the highest values reported so far in the literature with a hydrogen generation rate of 15.2 L(H2) min−1 g−1(RuPt). After separation from the reaction medium and rinsing with deionised water, the used Ru2Pt1-TiO2 catalyst was re-evaluated and almost the same catalytic activities as fresh catalyst were obtained during several cycles.