SiO2-supported ferromagnetic catalysts for hydrogen generation from alkaline NaBH4 (sodium borohydride) solution

► Ferromagnetism/SiO2 was synthesized for hydrogen generation. ► The catalytic activities follow the order Co/SiO2 > Ni/SiO2 > Fe/SiO2. ► The ferromagnetic catalysts are stable and cheaper than ruthenium-coated catalysts.