Preparation of PVDF nanofiber composites for hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride

Nanofibers are able to form a highly porous mesh and their large surface to volume ratio improves performance for many applications. Organic-inorganic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate nanofiber composites were prepared by electrospinning method. The structure and physical-chemical properties of the novel nanofiber composites are characterized by SEM, EDX and FTIR. The SEM results showed the morphology of the fibers and EDX was given the composition of the nanocomposite catalysts. The nanofibers loaded with metal catalysts are used for the hydrogen production by directly mixing with NaBH4 and water. The novel PVDF nanofiber composites catalyst has shown the stability and given the promising results for the quick production of hydrogen.

Research highlights
► Synthesis of new PVDF nanofiber composites (PVDF/CoCl2).
► The use of synthesized nanofiber composites for pure hydrogen production from NaBH4.
► Nanofiber composites are produced by electrospining method.
► The nanofibers morphology shows the positive impact on the production of hydrogen in comparision with bulk morphology of catalyst.
► The produced nanofibers are well stable under repeated process of hydrogen production.