Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis
2026: Just Accepted Manuscript and Article In Press 2026

Effect of Sodium Borohydride to Ferric Chloride Molar Ratios on Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron for Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid

Yusuf, Siti Aishah (Unknown)
Meor Ahmad Zubairi, Meor Saiful Rizal (Unknown)
Abdul Halim, Siti Fatimah (Unknown)
Chang, Siu Hua (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Aug 2026

Abstract

Hydrogen generation from formic acid using nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) represents a promising route for low-cost and sustainable hydrogen production. However, the effect of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) to ferric chloride (FeCl₃) molar ratio on nZVI synthesis and performance remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated how varying NaBH₄:FeCl₃ molar ratios affect nZVI synthesis characteristics and its hydrogen generation efficiency from formic acid, which acts as a safe and easily handled hydrogen carrier. nZVI was synthesized through a one-step liquid-phase chemical reduction method using NaBH₄:FeCl₃ ratios ranging from 4.4:1 to 8.8:1. UV–Vis spectroscopy indicated that the 4.4:1 ratio yielded the highest nZVI formation, reflecting optimal reduction efficiency and particle formation. Hydrogen generation experiments conducted in a closed reactor equipped with a water displacement system revealed that nZVI synthesized at the 4.4:1 ratio achieved the maximum hydrogen yield (98 mL), which progressively declined to 53 mL at the 8.8:1 ratio. These findings demonstrate that precursor molar ratios significantly influence nZVI formation, stability, and reactivity toward hydrogen evolution. An optimal NaBH₄:FeCl₃ ratio of 4.4:1 was identified for maximizing nZVI formation and hydrogen yield, providing valuable insights for developing scalable formic acid–based hydrogen generation systems.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

bcrec

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry

Description

Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, a reputable international journal, provides a forum for publishing the novel technologies related to the catalyst, catalysis, chemical reactor, kinetics, and chemical reaction engineering. Scientific articles dealing with the following topics in ...