CoO nanocrystals as a highly active catalyst for the generation of hydrogen from hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

▸ A new catalyst for the generation of H2 from hydrolysis of NaBH4 has been found. ▸ Octahedral and near-spherical CoO nanocrystals exhibit excellent catalytic property. ▸ A maximum H2 generation rate of 8333 ml min−1 g−1 has been obtained at 303 K. ▸ Exposed crystal facets make differences to the catalytic behavior. ▸ CoO nanocrystals can be a promising candidate for substituting noble metal catalyst.