Metal-Schiff Base complex catalyst in KBH4 hydrolysis reaction for hydrogen production

Abstract

It is the first study to synthesize Co(II)-Schiff Base complex and to use it like a catalyst for potassium borohydride hydrolysis reaction to hydrogen production. Co(II)-complex is synthesized with CoCl2·6H2O and 5-Amino-2,4-dichlorophenol-3,5-di-tert-butylsalisylaldimine ligand. KBH4 hydrolysis reaction is studied according as percentage of KBH4, percentage of KOH, amount of Co-Schiff Base complex catalyst and temperature effects. Co-Schiff Base complex is highly effective catalyst and initial rates (Ro) of KBH4 hydrolysis reaction were 61220.00 and 99746.67 mL H2. g−1 cat. min−1 at 30 °C and 50 °C. Furthermore this study includes the kinetic calculations and for this reaction calculated activation energy is 17.56 kJ mol−1.