{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Gold Nanoparticle Mesoporous Carbon Composite as Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.
{Author}: Biehler E;Quach Q;Abdel-Fattah TM;
{Journal}: Molecules
{Volume}: 29
{Issue}: 15
{Year}: 2024 Aug 5
{Factor}: 4.927
{DOI}: 10.3390/molecules29153707
{Abstract}: Increased environmental pollution and the shortage of the current fossil fuel energy supply has increased the demand for eco-friendly energy sources. Hydrogen energy has become a potential solution due to its availability and green combustion byproduct. Hydrogen feedstock materials like sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are promising sources of hydrogen; however, the rate at which the hydrogen is released during its reaction with water is slow and requires a stable catalyst. In this study, gold nanoparticles were deposited onto mesoporous carbon to form a nano-composite catalyst (AuNP-MCM), which was then characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The composite's catalytic ability in a hydrogen evolution reaction was tested under varying conditions, including NaBH4 concentration, pH, and temperature, and it showed an activation of energy of 30.0 kJ mol-1. It was determined that the optimal reaction conditions include high NaBH4 concentrations, lower pH, and higher temperatures. This catalyst, with its stability and competitively low activation energy, makes it a promising material for hydrogen generation.