Magnetic recyclable catalysts with dual protection of hollow Co/N/C framework and surface carbon film for hydrogen production from NaBH4 hydrolysis

NaBH4 (10.8 wt% theoretical hydrogen storage capacity) is an ideal hydrogen carrier, but its hydrolysis reaction at room temperature requires high-efficiency catalysts for activation and acceleration. Structured catalysts can effectively inhibit metal particle agglomeration. However, metal particles fall off the surface of the support during testing. Therefore, we report a magnetic recyclable hollow shell material H-Co/N/C-Ru@C-T. The dual protection of carbonized ZIF-67 as a framework and surface-coated carbon film makes it show good catalytic activity and durability in NaBH4 hydrolysis reaction. The hydrogen generation rate (HGR) is as high as 9815.82 mLH2 min-1 g-1, and the activation energy (Ea) is reduced to 26.9 kJ mol-1. Moreover, it retains 81.3% of its initial catalytic activity even after 25 hydrolysis cycles. Through a series of characterization, such as electron scanning spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission, the improvement effect of using hollow Co/N/C as framework and coating carbon film on surface on the catalytic activity and durability of H-Co/N/C-Ru@C-650 is systematically revealed. We believe this work is of unusual significance on exploring novel hydrogen storage material catalysts, especially providing oppor-tunities for the improvement of catalytic activity and durability of catalysts.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A magnetic recyclable hollow shell material H-Co/N/C-Ru@C-T, with carbonized ZIF-67 as a framework and a surface-coated carbon film, showed good catalytic activity and durability in the hydrolysis reaction of NaBH4. It achieved a high hydrogen generation rate of 9815.82 mLH2 min-1 g-1 and a reduced activation energy of 26.9 kJ mol-1. The use of a hollow Co/N/C framework and a carbon film coating improved the catalytic activity and durability of H-Co/N/C-Ru@C-650. This work is significant for exploring novel hydrogen storage material catalysts and improving the performance of catalysts.