Porous Co3O4 nanoplatelets as efficient catalyst precursor for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of alkaline sodium borohydride solution

For hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride hydrolysis, high-efficient catalyst precursor of porous Co3O4 nanoplatelets was successfully achieved by a combined process of hydrothermal synthesis and calcination treatment. Effects of calcination temperature on catalyst morphology and activity were mainly investigated, and the optimal condition was established. Using a reaction solution comprising 10 wt.% NaBH4 and 2 wt.% NaOH, the porous Co3O4 nanoplatelets exhibited a maximum hydrogen generation rate up to 19.52 L min(-1) g(-1) at the temperature of 25 degrees C, which was much higher than similar Co3O4 catalyst precursors and noble metal catalysts in literature.