Synthesis, Characterization of a Novel Nickel-Organo Supported Magnetic Nanocatalysts (Fe3O4@SiO2@Tris@Ni): Effective Hydrogen Generation from Sodium Borohydride

Abstract

Energy demand and environmental problems are increasing day by day as global threats. The burning of fossil fuels has harmful effects on ecological systems. Global threats related to energy can be eliminated by environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and renewable resources. Hydrogen is among the sustainable and renewable energy sources due to being the most common element on earth, non-toxic reaction products and having high calorific value. It was the first time nickel-organo-silica supported magnetic nanocatalysts (MNCs) were synthesised in this study. These synthesized MNCs were characterized in detail. Then, these MNCs were used to produce hydrogen from sodium borohydride in high efficiency. The saturation magnetization value and average particle size of the Fe<inf>3</inf>O<inf>4</inf>@SiO<inf>2</inf>@Tris@Ni MNCs have been measured as 33.27 emu/g and 10.26 nm, respectively. The Fe<inf>3</inf>O<inf>4</inf>@SiO<inf>2</inf>@Tris@Ni MNCs were used for the first time in hydrogen generation in this study. The hydrogen generation by sodium borohydride (NaBH<inf>4</inf>) methanolysis/ethylene glycolysis of the catalyst has been carried out at 298 K using 0.75 % NaBH<inf>4</inf>, 75 mg nanocatalyst, and 20 mL methanol/ethylene glycol. The amount of hydrogen produced in the methanol/ethylene glycol processes has been measured as 2167 mL H<inf>2</inf>/g NaBH<inf>4</inf>. The highest hydrogen generation rate has been obtained using 0.75 % NaBH<inf>4</inf>, 75 mg catalyst, and 20 mL ethylene glycol, and this value was calculated as 1067 mL H<inf>2</inf>/(min·gcat). The reusability performance of the catalyst was determined to have a decrease of 25.86 % after the fifth cycle compared to the initial use. According to these results, the catalyst is a promising material with advantages such as high efficiency in hydrogen generation and the possibility of repeated use. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.