Fast hydrogen generation from NaBH4 hydrolysis catalyzed by carbon aerogels supported cobalt nanoparticles

► Carbon aerogels (CAs) with good hydrophilicity and high porosity were synthesized. ► Cobalt nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on CAs surface (CAs/Co). ► CAs/Co exhibited high catalytic activity and good stability toward NaBH4 hydrolysis. ► A high hydrogen generation rate of 11.22 L min−1 gcobalt−1 was achieved at 25 °C. ► The hydrolysis activation energy (38.4 kJ mol−1) is relatively low.