Synthesis and characterization of Co–La–Zr–B quaternary amorphous nano alloy: Kinetic study for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

Abstract

Abstract Co–La–Zr–B quaternary amorphous nano alloy was for the first time prepared in situ ultrasound-assisted reduction of Co(II), La(III) and Zr(IV) chloride by sodium borohydride aqueous solution. Obtained powder was characterized by XRD, BET, ICP, FE-SEM and TEM techniques. No distinct peak could be observed in XRD pattern of the obtained alloy indicating that the Co–La–Zr–B possessed amorphous structure. Regarding to the size, SEM and TEM images depict that the most of particles are lower than 10 nm and there is no significant aggregation. Co–La–Zr–B nano alloy is highly active catalysts for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. The reported work also includes the full experimental details for the collection of a wealth of kinetic data to determine the activation energy ( E a = 60.06 kJ mol −1 ) and effects of the catalyst dosage, amount of substrate, and temperature on the rate for the catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride. Catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH 4 is first order with respect to the catalyst concentration and zero order respect to the NaBH 4 concentration in the case of Co–La–Zr–B quaternary amorphous nano alloy.