Enhanced hydrogen evolution and antibacterial activity through Ag@CNT nanocomposite structure

Green hydrogen plays an essential role across the entire hydrogen value chain, including its generation, distribution, storage, and end-use. Producing green hydrogen through sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) methanolysis is typically expensive. Nevertheless, when catalyzed, this method exhibits rapid reaction kinetics, which can offset the high production costs particularly in localized or intermittent applications. Among various catalysts, silver stands out due to its superior catalytic efficiency. Its strong activity significantly enhances the hydrogen production performance from sodium borohydride methanolysis (SBM). Comprehensive characterization of Ag, CNT, and Ag@CNT was carried out using techniques such as UV–Vis, XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and TEM to examine their structure and morphology. The catalytic efficiency of Ag@CNT in NaBH₄ methanolysis was investigated, showing a low energy barrier of 15.336 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters derived from the reaction included an enthalpy change (ΔH) of 12.779 kJ/mol and an entropy change (ΔS) of -92.518 J/mol·K. In addition to catalytic assessments, antibacterial activity tests were conducted against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, addressing potential microbial concerns during hydrogen storage and delivery. The findings support the Ag@CNT catalyst’s dual potential in sustainable energy production and environmental applications.