Hydrogen production from catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride solution using nickel boride catalyst

Abstract

A highly stable and active nickel boride catalyst (Ni x B) was prepared and tested for the catalytic hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH 4 solution. It was found that after heat treatment at 150°C in vacuum the Ni x B catalyst shows greatly enhanced catalytic activity and operational stability. In the experimental conditions, the hydrolysis reaction can produce 6.75 wt% hydrogen at 45°C and >4.0 wt% hydrogen even at room temperatures, exhibiting much higher hydrogen storage capacity than currently used alloys for hydrogen storage. Since the Ni x B catalyst is inexpensive and easy to prepare, it is feasible to use this catalyst in the construction of practical hydrogen generators for portable and in situ applications.