Photocatalytic hydrogen production from sodium borohydride using low carbon footprint substrate Azadirachta indica oil.

The shortcomings of traditional energy systems drive the transition toward sustainable energy sources. This study explores the production of hydrogen, an environmentally friendly energy source, through the photo-hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH ₄ ), known for its non-toxic nature and high hydrogen storage capacity. The photoreaction is facilitated by visible light, utilizing nano-alumina or zirconia as catalysts. A novel approach is introduced, employing a cost-effective and eco-friendly oil as a template for nano-catalyst synthesis. The resulting catalyst is thoroughly characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), N ₂ -adsorption-desorption, Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Experimental parameters including catalyst weight, NaBH ₄ concentration, and irradiation time are systematically varied to optimize the photo-hydrolysis reaction efficiency. A hydrogen generation rate of 344 mL min ^-1 g ^-1 is achieved with zirconium oxide ZrO ₂ , while Aluminum oxide Al ₂ O ₃ exhibits a higher rate of 370 mL min ^-1 g ^-1 .