Cost-effective synthesis of carbon loaded Co3O4 for controlled hydrogen generation via NaBH4 hydrolysis

The simple, reliable, and economical process of combustion is used to synthesize carbon loaded cobalt oxide (C-Co3O4) for hydrogen generation via NaBH4 hydrolysis. The effect of NaBH4 concentration, pH, and temperature of the solution on hydrogen generation is investigated in detail. C-Co3O4 exhibits zero order reaction kinetics with respect to NaBH4 concentration. A stable Hydrogen Generation Rate (HGR) is observed throughout the reaction in the temperature range of 300-315 K using C-Co3O4. It is found that 0.01 g of C-Co3O4 exhibited high reaction activity with a maximum HGR of 5430 ml min(-1) g(-1) for the optimal solution at 320 K. The activation energy is calculated to be 55.9 kJ mol(-1) for hydrolysis of NaBH4 using C-Co3O4. The present study provides an economical method for the large-scale production of C-Co3O4 for hydrogen generation from NaBH4 hydrolysis, which can pave the way to commercialize hydrogen as a main source of fuel. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study synthesized carbon loaded cobalt oxide (C-Co3O4) for hydrogen generation via NaBH4 hydrolysis using the simple and economical process of combustion. The effects of NaBH4 concentration, pH, and temperature on hydrogen generation were investigated, revealing zero order reaction kinetics for C-Co3O4. A stable Hydrogen Generation Rate (HGR) was observed in the temperature range of 300-315 K, with a maximum HGR of 5430 ml min(-1) g(-1) at 320 K. The activation energy for NaBH4 hydrolysis using C-Co3O4 was calculated to be 55.9 kJ mol(-1).