Anchored cobalt film as stable supported catalyst for hydrolysis of sodium borohydride for chemical hydrogen storage

Electrodeposition was used to deposit cobalt over polycarbonate membrane (PCM), which was used as stable supported catalyst in hydrolysis of sodium borohydride NaBH4. We selected PCM as support owing to its lightness, easy handling, stability, and porous structure with nanosized channels. Our primary objective was to obtain a catalytic film resistant to both physical degradation and delamination while H2 bubbled on its surface. A thin film consisting of mushroom-like cobalt nanoarchitectures were prepared. By SEM, we observed that it is strongly embedded into the PCM thickness, with the anchoring occurring through the channels. This shaped catalyst was mechanically stable and did not show degradation during the reaction. The main results are reported and discussed in details herein.

► Electrodeposition was used to deposit cobalt over polycarbonate membrane (PCM). ► A thin film consisting of mushroom-like cobalt nanoarchitectures were elaborated. ► The thin film was used in the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride NaBH4. ► The thin film is strongly inlayed into the PCM thickness, with an anchoring being done through the PCM channels. ► Such shaped catalyst is stable and does not show degradation upon reaction.