Cobalt-boron loaded thermal activated Turkish sepiolite composites (Co-B@tSe) as a catalyst for hydrogen delivery

Abstract Cobalt-boron loaded thermal activated sepiolite composites (Co-B@tSe) are prepared with an impregnation-chemical reduction method and calcination step for use as a catalyst for sodium borohydride (NaBH4) hydrolysis, solvolysis, and methanolysis. The catalytic activity of Co-B@tSe can be improved by using a thermal-treated raw sepiolite as a catalyst support (Eskisehir, Turkey). The catalysts are analyzed using XRD, XRF, FT-IR, BET, DTA/TG, SEM/EDS and, TEM measurements. The catalytic performance for hydrogen generation is evaluated at room temperature. Research shows that cobalt-impregnated, heat treated, raw sepiolite at 500 °C (Sample B-2) exhibits a high boron loading ability. These conditions, in conjunction with an appropriate calcination treatment, can improve catalytic activity. When the Co-B@tSe, in the form of Co3BO5 sized 6 ± 1.8 nm, is dispersed on sepiolite channels, the catalyzed hydrogen generation rate (HGR) shows a trend of more methanolysis than hydrolysis at room temperature.