TiO2-coated thin films: A catalyst for sustainable hydrogen production from potassium borohydride

This study explores the catalytic performance of TiO2thin films in hydrogen production through the hydrolysis of potassium borohydride. Experiments conducted under visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and darkness revealed that TiO2thin 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. TiO2thin 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.