Boosting Hydrogen Generation with Platinum Nanoparticles Decorated on HTiNbO5 via NaBH4 Hydrolysis

In this study, we report the preparation of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) deposited on HTiNbO5 and the application of the resultant material in the catalytic decomposition of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to generate hydrogen. The starting material, KTiNbO5, was prepared through a solid-state process involving Nb2O5, K2CO3, and TiO2. The subsequent treatment with HNO3 resulted in the exchange of potassium by protons, rendering HTiNbO5. This material served as support for Pt nanoparticles (3.6 ± 0.7 nm), producing Pt NPs/HTiNbO5. All compounds were characterized using TGA, FTIR, XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS, and HRTEM. The influence of different factors on the reaction kinetics was evaluated, resulting in a hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 22,790.18 mL min−1gcat−1 at 50 °C. The activation energy (41.83 kJ mol−1) was also determined. A mechanistic study with deuterated water revealed a kinetic isotopic effect (KIE) value of 1.27, indicating the dissociation of B-H from BH4− as the rate-determining step of the process. Furthermore, the reuse and durability of the material were evaluated, revealing a catalyst performance close to 100% over the 10 tested cycles. Therefore, it can be concluded that the synthesized material, Pt-nanoparticles dispersed on HTiNbO5, exhibits excellent performance and is suitable for hydrogen evolution from NaBH4.