Hydrolysis of sodium borohydride using Co@Ce-UiO-66 nanocomposite as catalyst

To address the increasing need for clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels, this study explores hydrogen generation via sodium borohydride (NaBH4) hydrolysis, a safe and eco-friendly hydrogen storage material. High-performance catalysts were synthesized by modifying Ce-UiO-66 with various concentrations of cobalt nitrate (Co(NO3)2·6H₂O) and characterized using XRD, FTIR, and nitrogen adsorption techniques. The catalysts' efficiency was evaluated in NaBH4 dehydrogenation, with hydrogen generation rate (HGR) measurements highlighting the influence of Co2+incorporation. Results indicate a significant activity enhancement compared to the unmodified MOF. Key parameters such as catalyst loading, NaBH4 concentration, and reaction temperature were optimized, achieving a maximum HGR of 724.6 mL·min-1·g-1at 50°C with 30 mg of catalyst and 0.05 M NaBH4 attributed to the material’s high surface area (116.2 m2/g) and Co²⁺ active sites. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses, including rate constants, activation energy, enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy, were conducted. The findings demonstrate the promising potential of these catalysts for advancing hydrogen energy technologies.