Preparation of porous PVDF-NiB capsules as catalytic adsorbents for hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride

Porous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-NiB capsules were prepared by phase inversion of PVDF, nickel salt and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) mixtures in water. During the process, nickel salt was reduced to NiB particles by NaBH4, and the excess NaBH4 was hydrolyzed to produce hydrogen gas bubbles which aided the formation of the large holes inside the porous capsules. It was proved that the porous capsules can adsorb about 33 wt.% NaBH4 in THF/NaBH4 solution for about 4 h. Most of NiB particles were attached on the surface of the porous capsules with inside holes according to the observation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDS. The special structure of the capsules was successfully used as catalysts and container simultaneously for hydrogen production via catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH4 in aqueous solution.

Research Highlights
► Formation of porous PVDF-NiB capsules by phase inversion method.
► Use of capsules as either catalyst or adsorbent.
► Hydrogen production via catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH4 by capsules.