Investigation of hydrogen production from NaBH4 in different solvent mediums in the presence of a biomass-based catalyst

The persistent and escalating demand for energy, the dwindling reserves of fossil fuels, and the imperative for environmental sustainability have rendered the pursuit of alternative energy sources imperative. In this context, hydrogen energy is particularly salient due to its high energy density and its environmentally friendly properties, such as the production of only water vapor as a result of combustion. In this thesis, sodium borohydride (NaBH4) was utilized as a hydrogen storage medium to produce hydrogen, which is a renewable and clean energy source. A biomass-based catalyst was synthesized and used to produce stored hydrogen reliably and efficiently. The fruit of the Prosopis farcta plant, which was cultivated in the Siirt province, was utilized as a biomass source. The synthesis of the biomass as a catalyst was achieved through a series of meticulous processes. The conditions under which the catalyst produces hydrogen with optimal efficiency were determined. In the experimental phase of the study, the biomass treated with 30% KOH was maintained in an oven at 75°C for a period of 24 hours. Subsequently, the specimen was exposed to a carbonization process at a temperature of 450°C for a duration of 45 minutes. The substance was then subjected to a thorough cleansing and filtration process, ensuring its readiness for utilization. A suite of analytical techniques was employed to ascertain the surface structure and morphology of the synthesized catalyst. These techniques included BET (surface area and porosity analysis), SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy) mapping, and XRD (X-ray diffraction) characterization. Methanol, ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and solvent mixtures were utilized as solvent media to produce hydrogen. In the course of the experiments, the catalyst (PFC) obtained from Prosopis Farcta fruit demonstrated optimal activity in a methanol + propylene glycol solvent medium. In the course of the experiments and calculations, the activation energy was calculated to be 26.775 kJ/mol, and the initial rate was calculated to be 11,325 mL H₂/gcat/min.