Non-noble Co anchored on nanoporous graphene oxide, as an efficient and long-life catalyst for hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride

Abstract

Non-noble metal Co nano catalyst anchored on novel nanoporous graphene oxide (PGO) was successfully prepared for hydrolysis of NaBH4. The PGO was obtained by calcinating graphene oxide (GO) and Na2MoO4. During calcination, Na2MoO4 etched GO planes and plenty of nanopores with an average size of 20 nm was imported on the surface of GO. The nanopores provided binding sites for exactly-sized Co nanoparticles (NPs) to locate in GO, which could strengthen interaction between the Co NPs and PGO. The as-prepared Co/PGO exhibited a glorious catalytic activity on NaBH4 hydrolysis in alkaline condition, with a high hydrogen generation rate (HGR) 5955 mLH2⋅min−1⋅gM−1 at room temperature. Furthermore, The PGO facilitated reusability of the catalyst Co particles, with a retention rate 73% in HGR after five cycles. This work provided a potential strategy for preparing an efficient and non-noble catalyst for hydrogen generation from NaBH4 hydrolysis.