Catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH4 over titanate nanotube supported Co for hydrogen production

A Co/HTNT catalyst is developed by immobilizing Co on the surface of titanate nanotubes. The microstructure and composition of the catalyst are investigated with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The developed Co/HTNT catalyst shows great performance in catalyzing NaBH 4 hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of 25 mg NaBH 4 catalyzed by 50 mg Co/HTNT in 10 g NaOH solution (12.5 wt%) provides a hydrogen production rate of 1.04 L min −1 g Co −1 at 30 °C, and the activation energy of the reaction is 29.68 kJ mol −1 . The high catalytic activity and economical property make this catalyst a promising choice for on-site hydrogen production from NaBH 4 hydrolysis. • A Co/HTNT catalyst is developed by immobilizing Co nanoparticles on HTNTs. • The high surface area of HTNTs ensures good Co distribution in the catalyst. • The Co/HTNT catalyst shows excellent performance in catalyzing NaBH 4 hydrolysis.