Catalytic Application of a Zwitterionic Polymeric Network for Hydrogen Generation via Sodium Borohydride Methanolysis

Date

2025-10-01

Author

Gokkus, Kutalmis
KAYA, ŞEFİKA
Gur, Mahmut
YILDIZ, DERYA
Yıldırım, Erol
DEMİR KIVRAK, HİLAL
BÜTÜN, VURAL

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Hydrogen energy is widely regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels. This study focuses on the synthesis of an environmentally friendly zwitterionic polymer catalyst, Poly(Quaternized-2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (P(Q-DMA)), was synthesized and evaluated for the first time as a metal-free catalyst in NaBH4 methanolysis for hydrogen production. Owing to its zwitterionic nature, P(Q-DMA) was designed to interact synergistically with methanol and sodium borohydride through multiple mechanisms, including ion-dipole, ion-ion, and hydrogen-bonding interactions. The structure-function relationship was investigated using surface analysis (BET, SEM and Zeta), chemical characterization (FTIR, TGA), and kinetic modeling. Systematic optimization revealed high catalytic efficiency, achieving a hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 443.4 mL H-2 min(-1) gcat(-1) and a mass-specific HGR of 8868.4 mL H-2 min(-1) gcat(-1), with a low activation energy (Ea) of 19.91 kJ mol(-1). The polymer also exhibited good electrocatalytic activity (0.72 mA cm(-2) at 0.8 V in 1 M NaOH + 0.1 M NaBH4) and stable performance during NaBH4 electrooxidation. Importantly, zeta potential values shifted from + 13.1 mV before reaction to - 12.2 mV (unwashed) and - 8.43 mV (washed) after reaction, indicating surface modification by adsorbed borate species. These results highlight P(Q-DMA) as a promising biocompatible, metal-free catalyst for scalable hydrogen production and electrochemical applications, aligning with sustainable and clean energy goals.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/116730

Collections

Department of Chemistry, Article