Facile synthesis of novel Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite: A cost effective catalyst for improved hydrogen generation with enhanced electrochemical activity

•A facile method was developed to synthesize the novel, cost-effective Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite.•Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite showed the high catalytic activity for hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH4 solution.•Moreover, high current response and stability in CV suggested it applicability for charge storage application also.

Novel catalyst, cobalt boride @ nickel/reduced graphene oxide abbreviated as Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite was synthesized by precipitation of Co2+ ions on Ni/RGO. In the first step, Ni/RGO nanocomposite was synthesized by a facile method. In the next step, Co-B NPs were decorated on Ni/RGO support which led the superficial attachment and maximum exposure of them for catalytic reaction. The structure, composition and morphology of catalyst were fully characterized using various techniques. Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite showed the high catalytic activity for hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution. Moreover, Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite showed the high current response and stability of catalyst under cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiment, suggested as promising low cost nanocatalyst for future energy applications due to its high catalytic activity, charge storage capability and robustness.

Graphical abstractNovel catalyst, cobalt boride @ nickel/reduced graphene oxide abbreviated as Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite was synthesized by precipitation of Co2+ ions on Ni/RGO. In the first step, Ni/RGO nanocomposite was synthesized by a facile method. In the next step, Co-B NPs were decorated on Ni/RGO support which led the superficial attachment and maximum exposure of them for catalytic reaction. Co-B@Ni/RGO nanocomposite showed the high catalytic activity for hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution along with high current response and stability under cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiment, suggested as promising low cost nanocatalyst for future energy applications.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide