Co complex modified on Eupergit C as a highly active catalyst for enhanced hydrogen production

Abstract

In present paper, the preparation and catalytic activity of Eupergit C polymer (EC) modified Co complex was reported. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller Surface Area Analysis (BET), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterization of catalyst. EC modified-Co complex was the first time examined as a catalyst in NaBH 4 hydrolysis to H 2 evolution. The kinetic calculations were determined by using two different kinetic methods. The low activation energy barriers were achieved as 21.673 kJ mol −1 for nth order model and as 21.061kJmol −1 for Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model at low temperatures. EC modified-Co complex catalyst exhibited high performance with H 2 evolution rates of 3914 mL H 2 g cat −1 min −1 and 9183 mLH 2 g cat −1 min −1 at 30 °C–50 °C. Additionally, Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism was explained for EC modified Co complex catalyzed sodium borohydride hydrolysis reaction. The reusability experiments showed that EC modified-Co complex catalyst maintained excellent stability with 100% conversion and without significant lost after the 6th run. • Preparation of Eupergit C polymer (EC) modified Co complex catalyst. • The first time examination of EC modified Co complex catalyst in NaBH 4 hydrolysis. • Attainment to high H 2 evolution rate of 9183mL H 2 . g cat −1 min −1 at low temperature. • Achievement of low activation energy barriers of 21.673 and 21.061;kJmol −1 . • Excellent stability without significant lost after the 6th run in NaBH 4 hydrolysis.