Catalytic Activity of Beta-Cyclodextrin-Gold Nanoparticles Network in Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Qui Quach,Erik Biehler,Clay Huff,Julia M Long,Tarek M Abdel-Fattah,Ahmed Elzamzami

doi:10.3390/catal11010118

Abstract

The current climate crisis warrants investigation into alternative fuel sources. The hydrolysis reaction of an aqueous hydride precursor, and the subsequent production of hydrogen gas, prove to be a viable option. A network of beta-cyclodextrin capped gold nanoparticles (BCD-AuNP) was synthesized and subsequently characterized by Powder X-Ray Diffraction (P-XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS) to confirm the presence of gold nanoparticles as well as their size of approximately 8 nm. The catalytic activity of the nanoparticles was tested in the hydrolysis reaction of sodium borohydride. The gold catalyst performed best at 303 K producing 1.377 mL min−1 mLcat−1 of hydrogen. The activation energy of the catalyst was calculated to be 54.7 kJ/mol. The catalyst resisted degradation in reusability trials, continuing to produce hydrogen gas in up to five trials.

Highlights

Since the industrial revolution, the advancement of technology has resulted in the need for a stable and eco-friendly energy source [1,2]
The presence of capping agent was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, Shimadzu IR-Tracer 100)
The size of gold nanoparticles was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM JEM-2100F)

Summary

Introduction

The advancement of technology has resulted in the need for a stable and eco-friendly energy source [1,2]. Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) has already been identified as a possible candidate due to its low weight and impressive hydrogen content of 10.8% wt This material readily releases hydrogen gas when it reacts with water [11]. Many previous metals and their composites have been applied in improving the hydrogen generation rate of NaBH4 due to their stability and high surface area [13,14,15]. Among those metals, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) display interesting optical, electrical, and catalytic properties, and are considered one of the more active nanoparticle catalysts due to their lack of a stable oxide [16].

Characterization

Catalytic Activity with Varied Concentrations of Reactant

Catalysis

Conclusions