Hyperbranched novel functional polymeric catalysts offering new approaches in hydrogen production via NaBH4 methanolysis

Abstract

Hydrogen energy is one of the best alternative energy sources for the future. However, there are still difficulties in its production, storage and transportation. This study focused extensively on the hydrogen production via methanolysis of NaBH4. There are two main objectives of this study. First, to reveal the catalytic effects of different functional groups on hydrogen production. Second, to reveal the high performance of polyaramids in hydrogen production. This was achieved by the synthesis and application of three different polyaramid derivative polymers containing amide, amide-ether and amide-sulfone. The polymers were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, BET, TGA and XPS analyzes. The amounts of catalyst (10–50 mg) and NaBH4 (25–175 mg) and various temperatures (0–60 °C) were optimized. The highest hydrogen production rate (HGR) was found 11857 mL H2.min−1gcat−1. In addition, within in the scope of the study, the effect of different functional groups on the methanolysis of NaBH4 was investigated by detailed characterization of polymers before and after each hydrogen production. These characterizations provided new perspectives for the catalytic mechanisms of the catalysts. In summary, this study is very important in two aspects. First, the detailed analyses carried out within the scope of this study explained for the first time the effects of different functional groups on the methanolysis of NaBH4. These analyses led to the emergence of new perspectives in the design of new catalysts. Second, the serious potential of polyaramids as catalysts in the methanolysis of NaBH4 was revealed for the first time.