EFFECT OF ALKALINE CONDITIONS ON THE CATALYSIS AND KINETICS OF SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE HYDROLYSIS

The hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) is a significant reaction due to its potential applications in energy storage, fuel cells, and hydrogen production. This study investigates the kinetics of catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride in both aqueous and aqueous-alkaline solutions. The reaction rates are measured under varying conditions of concentration, temperature, and pH to understand the impact of these variables on the overall rate of hydrogen production. Using a range of catalysts, including transition metal catalysts, the study also explores how the catalytic nature influences the rate of hydrolysis. The results reveal a clear dependence on pH, temperature, and catalyst concentration, suggesting that alkaline solutions significantly enhance the rate of hydrolysis compared to pure aqueous solutions. The activation energy is also calculated, providing insights into the reaction mechanism.