Synthesis and catalytic performance of nanoflower-like Ru@CoAl-LDH composite catalyst for NaBH4 hydrolysis

Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) has been widely regarded as the one of most promising future hydrogen (H2)-generated materials. Therefore, it is necessary to find a catalyst with higher catalytic performance to promote the on-demand H2 release of NaBH4 hydrolysis. In this study, a Ru@CoAl-LDH catalyst was developed by immobilizing Ru nanoparticles (Ru NPs) on the surface of Co Al Layered Double Hydroxide (CoAl-LDH) nanocurds. The Ru NPs were prepared by H2 reduction, and nanoflower-like CoAl-LDH was synthesized through a one-step solvothermal method. The microstructure and composition of the catalysts were investigated through scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that Ru@CoAl-LDH exhibited good catalytic performance toward the NaBH4 hydrolysis. At 30 °C, the hydrogen generation rate of the hydrolysis reaction was 44.34 L·min−1·gRu−1, and the reaction activation energy was 38.83 kJ·mol−1, and superior to many catalysts of the same type. Because of its high activity, low activation energy and excellent economic performance, this catalyst has high potential for applications in NaBH4 hydrolysis.