Stabilized cobalt-based nanofilm catalyst prepared using an ionic liquid/water interfacial process for hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride.

The design and construction of transition metal catalysts with high performance and low-cost characteristics are imperative for liquid hydrogen storage materials. In this study, we prepared ultrathin carbon-stabilized Co-doped CoO nanofilms (C-Co/CoO NFs) using an ionic liquid/water interface strategy for sodium borohydride (NaBH) hydrolysis. Owing to its two-dimensional (2D) NF structure and the protective effects of the composite carbon, the C-Co/CoO NF catalyst exhibited remarkable activity and durability for hydrogen generation from NaBH hydrolysis. The hydrogen generation rate reached 8055 mL·min·g (5106 mL·min·g) and the catalyst could be recycled more than 20 times, surpassing most reported metal-based catalysts under comparable conditions. In addition, the exceptional 2D Co-based NF structures, with numerous active sites, assisted in the activation of NaBH and water molecules, promoting hydrogen production. Thus, these results provided an in-depth understanding of hydrogen generation from NaBH hydrolysis, and an effective strategy for rationally designing highly active and durable 2D NF catalysts.