Efficient Hydrogen Generation from NaBH4 Methanolysis Using Recycled PET-Based Cu/SiO2 Catalysts

Abstract In this study, Cu/SiO 2 -PET catalyst is synthesized using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from water bottles, and its catalytic performance in hydrogen production via methanolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) is researched. Cu/SiO 2 catalysts prepared by wet impregnation are combined with recycled PET to form a composite. The prepared catalysts are characterized by scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N 2 adsorption–desorption analyses. The effects of catalyst and NaBH 4 amounts, methanol volume, and temperature on the methanolysis reaction are investigated, and optimum conditions are determined. Under optimum conditions, the hydrogen generation rate (HGR) with the 10% Cu/SiO 2 -PET catalyst reaches 35,827.20 mL min −1 g cat −1 . These results demonstrate that recycled PET-based Cu/SiO 2 catalysts offer significant environmental and economic potential for sustainable energy production.