Multifunctional Co–B–O@CoxB catalysts for efficient hydrogen generation

Abstract

The development of efficient and non-noble catalyst is of great significance to hydrogen generation techniques. Three surface-oxidized cobalt borides of Co–B–O@CoxB (x = 0.5, 1 and 2) have been synthesized that can functionalize as active catalysts in both alkaline water electrolysis and the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution. It is discovered that oxidation layer and low boron content favor the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of Co–B–O@CoxB in alkaline water electrolysis. And surface-oxidized cobalt boride with low boron content is more active toward hydrolysis of NaBH4 solution. An alkaline electrolyzer fabricated using the optimized electrodes of Co–B–O@CoB2/Ni as cathode and Co–B–O@Co2B/Ni as anode can deliver current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 1.54 V for overall water splitting with satisfactory stability. Meanwhile, Co–B–O@Co2B affords the highest hydrogen generation rate of 3.85 L min−1 g−1 for hydrolysis of NaBH4 at 25 °C.