Efficient hydrogen production via hydrolysis of NaBH4 by the Co/Co3O4–Cu2O–ZnO catalyst prepared using mixed metal oxides as support material

In this study, we investigate for the first time the catalytic activity of the Co/Co3O4–Cu2O–ZnO catalyst in hydrogen production from the hydrolysis of NaBH4. After the Co3O4–CuO–ZnO support material was synthesized by the chemical precipitation method, the impregnation method was used to dope Co on the support material. Morphological and structural analyses of the Co/Co3O4–Cu2O–ZnO catalyst were investigated by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and BET methods. Then, activity tests of the catalyst were performed in an H2 generation system. The hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of the Co/Co3O4–Cu2O–ZnO catalyst was found 4698 ml min−1 gcat−1 at 25°C. After the HGR measurements at 25, 35, 45, and 55°C the activation energy of the Co/Co3O4–Cu2O–ZnO catalyst was calculated as 28.05 kJ mol−1. In addition, the HGR value had reached a high value such as 12,920 ml min−1 gcat−1 at 55°C. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)