Nitrogen-functionalized activated carbon supported palladium catalyst on-demand hydrogen generation via sodium borohydride methanolysis

Abstract

The development of highly active and durable catalysts is essential for on-demand hydrogen generation from chemical hydrides. In this study, Pd@N-doped activated carbon (Pd@N-doped AC) was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method using commercial activated carbon, palladium (II) nitrate, and urea. Structural and surface characterization confirmed the formation and dispersion of Pd nanoparticles on the nitrogen-functionalized activated carbon support. The catalytic performance was evaluated for NaBH4 methanolysis under different temperatures and NaBH4 concentrations. The catalyst achieved a maximum hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 15,742 mL min- 1 gcat- 1 at 30 degrees C, with a low apparent activation energy of 18.74 kJ mol-1. The catalyst also maintained satisfactory activity over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating good reusability. The enhanced performance is associated with the combined effects of well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles, nitrogen-containing surface functionalities, and the porous carbon framework. The novelty of this work lies in integrating nitrogen-functionalized commercial activated carbon with Pd through a simple hydrothermal synthesis to obtain a highly active catalyst combining high HGR, low activation energy, and good reusability for NaBH4 methanolysis. These results demonstrate the potential of Pd@N-doped AC for efficient on-demand H2 generation.