In situ generated catalysts for NaBH4 hydrolysis studied by liquid-phase calorimetry: Influence of the nature of the metal

Several metal chloride salts have been evaluated as precursors of in situ generated catalysts for sodium borohydride hydrolysis. The kinetics of hydrogen production and the corresponding heat evolved were studied in a reaction calorimeter coupled with a hydrogen volumetric flow-meter. The metals which can be readily oxidized and form stable boride species are the best catalysts for the borohydride hydrolysis reaction, at a lower cost compared to platinum.