Real-time tunable hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of borohydrides using 3D magnetic catalysts†
Abstract
Hydrolysis of borohydrides is a promising method for the hydrogen supply of high-energy-density fuel cells. Realization of on-demand hydrogen generation is critical and challenging for efficient utilization of hydrogen. Herein, we proposed a novel strategy to realize the real-time dynamic tunability of the hydrogen generation rate of the reaction for the first time. To realize this strategy, an applicable 3D catalyst is developed by depositing catalytic materials on readily available polymer foams through a simple electroless plating method, showing remarkable catalytic activity (12 560 mL min−1 gcatalyst−1, 10 470 mL min−1 goverall structure−1) and durability toward the hydrolysis of NaBH4. Due to its multiple advantages, valuable regulation of the H2 production rate was realized by simply adjusting the contact area of the magnetic catalyst with the NaBH4 solution using an external magnet. Moreover, the real-time tunability of the output power of the NaBH4-based fuel cell system without additional balance-of-plants was realized. This strategy may contribute to the improvement of the hydrolysis of borohydrides toward practical H2 generator applications, and could be extended to other liquid-phase hydrogen production systems.
- This article is part of the themed collection: 2023 Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers HOT articles