Nanocrystalline cobalt–nickel–boron (metal boride) catalysts for efficient hydrogen production from the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

Innovative metal boride nanocatalysts containing crystalline Co–Ni based binary/ternary phases were synthesized and used in the hydrolysis of NaBH4. All as-prepared catalysts high-purity with average particle sizes ranging between ~51 94 nm consisting different (e.g. CoB, Co2B, Co5B16, NiB, Ni4B3, Ni2Co0·67B0.33). The synergetic effect composite had a positive role on catalytic performances thus, while binary unstable cobalt borides or single Ni4B3 not showing any activity. Co–Ni–B catalyst CoB–Ni4B3 exhibited highest H2 production rate (500.0 mL min?1 gcat?1), an apparent activation energy 32.7 kJ/mol. recyclability evaluations showed that provides stability even after 5th cycle. results suggested structures demonstrate favorable properties compared to those their components they can be as alternative stable for efficient hydrogen from sodium borohydride.