Surface modified Cobalt Oxide Nanostructures for hydrogen generation from catalytic dissociation of NaBH4

Liquid chemical hydrides, such as aqueous sodium borohydride (NaBH4), offer a safer, energy-dense alternative for fuel cell vehicles, enabling on-demand hydrogen release under ambient conditions. However, achieving largescale viability for this system requires the development of a cost-effective and durable catalyst to improve hydrogen release efficiency. In this study, three distinct nanostructured Co3O4 catalysts (nanorods (NR), nanosheets (NS), and nanocubes (NC)) were synthesised via a hydrothermal method and further modified by incorporating B and P heteroatoms on the surface. Among these, the B/P-Co3O4-NS catalyst with its 2D nanosheet structure exhibited the highest catalytic activity, achieving an activation energy of 17.7 kJ/mol and a maximum hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 5.6 L/min/g for hydrolysis of NaBH4. All three B/P-modified Co3O4 catalysts outperformed both CoPB nanoparticles and unmodified Co3O4, attributed to enhanced electronic interactions and induced lattice strain from B and P incorporation, with the nanosheet morphology providing a large surface area for improved efficiency. The B/P- Co3O4-NS catalyst also demonstrated notable stability, successfully enduring recycling and high-temperature treatment (773 K). These results highlight B/P-Co3O4-NS as a promising candidate for practical hydrogen generation, combining high catalytic performance with robust stability.