# Preparation and characterization of RhFe/g-C3N4 nanoparticles for efficient hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

## TL;DR

Researchers created a new catalyst using RhFe nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride to efficiently produce hydrogen from sodium borohydride.

## Contribution

A novel RhFe/g-C3N4 catalyst with high activity and recyclability for sodium borohydride hydrolysis is developed.

## Key findings

- The Rh0.48Fe0.52/g-C3N4 catalyst achieved an H2 generation rate of 4214.02 mL min-1 gcat-1 at 298 K.
- The catalyst retained 80.72% of its initial activity after 10 reaction cycles.
- The initial turnover frequency was measured at 33.04 min−1.

## Abstract

Highly effective graphitic carbon nitride-supported RhFe nanoparticles (RhFe/g-C3N4) were prepared using a simple wet impregnation-reduction method for the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The obtained Rh0.48Fe0.52/g-C3N4 catalyst was characterized using advanced analytical/spectroscopic techniques such as inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The catalytic activities of RhFe/g-C3N4 catalysts with varying Rh/Fe molar ratios were investigated, demonstrating superior catalytic activity compared to monometallic Rh and Fe. The initial turnover frequency value of the Rh0.48Fe0.52/g-C3N4 catalyst was calculated as 33.04 min−1 and it showed an H2 generation rate of
4214.02 mL min-1 gcat-1 at 298 K. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters (Ea#, ΔH#, ΔS#) of the hydrolysis of NaBH4 catalyzed by the Rh0.48Fe0.52/g-C3N4 catalyst were elucidated. The findings demonstrated that the resulting Rh0.48Fe0.52/g-C3N4 catalyst was recyclable and retained 80.72% of the initial activity even after 10 runs.