Simple and fast fabrication of polymer template-Ru composite as a catalyst for hydrogen generation from alkaline NaBH4 solution

Polymer template-Ru composite (Ru/IR-120) catalyst was prepared using a simple and fast method for generating hydrogen from an aqueous alkaline NaBH4 solution. The hydrogen generation rate was determined as a function of solution temperature, NaBH4 concentration, and NaOH (a base-stabilizer) concentration. The maximum hydrogen generation rate reached 132 ml min−1 g−1 catalyst at 298 K, using a Ru/IR-120 catalyst that contained only 1 wt.% Ru. The catalyst exhibits a quick response and good durability during the hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH4 solution. The activation energy for the hydrogen generation reaction was determined to be 49.72 kJ mol−1.