The use of different metal containing catalysts in hydrogen production from methanolysis of sodium boronhydride

In this study, a series of heterogeneous catalysts were synthesized using Cu and Co complexes supported on SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, and their catalytic performances were systematically investigated for hydrogen production via methanolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). Experimental results revealed that the Cu-Al₂O₃ (1%) catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity with a hydrogen generation rate of 3601 mL/min·g at 60 °C, and an activation energy of 18.35 kJ/mol. Similarly, the Co-Al₂O₃ (4%) catalyst achieved an even higher hydrogen generation rate of 4480 mL/min·g and an activation energy of 20.48 kJ/mol under the same conditions. In addition, the reusability of both catalysts was tested for five cycles and it was observed that their performance decreased. These findings indicate that Cu and Co complex-based supported catalysts are promising candidates for efficient, low-temperature, and sustainable hydrogen production.