Catalytic hydrogen production from boranes on metal-based catalysts

Hydrogen fuel is a non-toxic and abundantly available energy source with a high potential in replacing traditional fossil fuels in the automotive sector. However, several challenges related to its storage need to be resolved for effective industrial applications. Compounds such as sodium borohydride (NaBH4) present a promising option as hydrogen sources, capable of releasing hydrogen rapidly under controlled conditions when utilized with heterogeneous catalyst systems. The hydrolysis of NaBH₄ can be easily controlled by adding or removing a solid catalyst from its solutions. While numerous reports show many catalysts for this reaction, the main emphasis is on their efficiency. The ideal catalyst should not only demonstrate high performance, but also withstand operational temperatures of 60–80 °C, typical for hydrogen engines, and maintain its efficiency for as long as possible. These aspects are often neglected in other reports, while being crucial for their future applications.

In this presentation, I explore metal-based catalysts used for the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride, focusing on their efficiency, durability, and stability at elevated temperatures. We successfully synthesized a variety of cobalt catalysts from both primary and secondary sources and tested their long-term effectiveness in hydrogen production using a custom-built testing system. Our research highlights essential parameters that are crucial for the future industrial applications of hydrogen generation from borohydride hydrogen storage systems, offering valuable insights for advancements in energy production.