The hydrogen generation from alkaline NaBH4 solution by using electroplated amorphous Co-Ni-P film catalysts

► The amorphous Co-Ni-P films were electrodeposited on Cu sheets. ► The deposit plating rate and the catalytic activities for NaBH4 hydrolysis were investigated. ► The highest hydrogen generation rate of 3636 mL (min g-catalyst)−1 was obtained. ► The activation energy (Ea) for the NaBH4 hydrolysis was 38 kJ mol−1.