Enhanced Hydrogen Generation via NaBH4 Methanolysis Using Novel Acorn Cup-Derived Activated Carbon through CH3COOH–CoCl2 Co-Activation

In this study, a novel catalyst (Ac-Co-500) derived from acorn cup biomass waste was synthesized, characterized, and optimized for hydrogen generation via sodium borohydride (NaBH4) methanolysis. The elemental and structural properties of the catalyst were investigated using FT-IR, SEM, and SEM-EDX analyses. Hydrogen generation efficiencies were evaluated, showing that catalyst loading, NaBH4 amount, and reaction temperature substantially influenced the reaction kinetics. Remarkably, the NaBH4 methanolysis reaction catalyzed by Ac-Co-500 exhibited a hydrogen generation rate of 6796 mLmin-1gcat-1 and was completed within 2.33 minutes, yielding approximately 670 mL of hydrogen. The activation energy was measured at 14.09 kJ/mol, which is comparatively low relative to both metal-free and metal-based catalysts noted for similar applications. The reusability of Ac-Co-500 was also assessed over four cycles, with hydrogen generation time gradually increasing with each cycle. Overall, the results indicate that Ac-Co-500 is a promising, efficient, and sustainable catalyst for hydrogen production through NaBH4 methanolysis.