TiO2-coated thin films: A catalyst for sustainable hydrogen production from potassium borohydride
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol.143, pp.1215-1225, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 143
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.01.182
- Journal Name: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
- Page Numbers: pp.1215-1225
- Keywords: Hydrogen, Hydrolysis, Photocatalysis, Potassium borohydride, Titanium dioxide
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study explores the catalytic performance of TiO₂ thin films in hydrogen production through the hydrolysis of potassium borohydride. Experiments conducted under visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and darkness revealed that TiO₂ thin films achieved maximum hydrogen production efficiencies of 113% under UV light, 98% under visible light, and 90% in dark conditions. The hydrogen generation rates were calculated as 81,400 mL min⁻1 g⁻1 under UV light, 77,571 mL min⁻1 g⁻1 under visible light, and 54,330 mL min⁻1 g⁻1 in the dark. Critical parameters such as temperature, amount of catalyst, volume of HCl, and NaOH concentration were systematically varied and optimized to enhance efficiency. TiO₂ thin films deposited on glass coverslips using the magnetron sputtering technique were characterized via FE-SEM/EDS, XRD, and FTIR analyses, investigated their structural suitability and stability for catalytic applications. This work highlights the potential of TiO₂ thin films as efficient and durable catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.