Self-supported CoP nanosheet arrays: a non-precious metal catalyst for efficient hydrogen generation from alkaline NaBH4 solution

Hydrogen can be catalytically generated on a large scale by hydrolysis of NaBH4. In this communication, we describe the development of cobalt phosphide nanosheet arrays on Ti mesh (CoP/Ti mesh) as a robust and highly active monolithic catalyst for the hydrolytic dehydrogenation of NaBH4 in alkaline solutions. A hydrogen generation rate of 6100 mL(H2) min−1 g(CoP)−1 and an activation energy of 42.01 kJ mol−1 were achieved under air-saturated atmospheric conditions, which are superior to those of most reported catalysts, with good durability and reusability.