Synergistic effect of NbBi alloy nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes as catalysts for sodium borohydride methanolysis

Abbas M. J. A., Caglar A., DEMİR KIVRAK H.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds, vol.1060, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 1060
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2026.187254
  • Journal Name: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, Public Affairs Index
  • Keywords: Bi, Methanolysis, Nb, Sodium borohydride
  • Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported metal (Nb and Bi) alloys were prepared by the chemical reduction method for hydrogen production from the methanolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Physical characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and elemental mapping are used to investigate the structural and morphological properties of the catalysts. The catalytic performance of Nb/CNT, Bi/CNT, and NbBi/CNT catalysts with different atomic ratios was investigated for the methanolysis of NaBH4. Nb50Bi50/CNT catalyst (8826.6 mL/min.gcat) has a higher hydrogen generation rate (HGR) than other synthesized catalysts for the methanolysis of NaBH4. Moreover, it exhibited a high HGR of 28015.2 mL/min.gcat and low activation energy (Ea) of 17.89 kJ/mol under optimum conditions (25 mg cat, 10 mL methanol, 0.15 g NaBH4, and 60 °C).