Structure–Performance Engineered Ru‐ and Co‐Modified FeO Nanocatalysts via Green Synthesis for Accelerated Hydrogen Generation From NaBH ₄ Hydrolysis

ABSTRACT

Green‐synthesized FeO nanoparticles (via pistachio leaf extract) were modified with Co and Ru to produce Co–FeO and Ru–FeO nanocatalysts. Their catalytic performances were evaluated in hydrogen generation through NaBH ₄ hydrolysis. Kinetic studies revealed distinct reaction behaviors: Co–FeO followed a zero‐order model, whereas Ru–FeO exhibited a fractional reaction order of 0.35. Despite these differences, both catalysts showed similar activation energies, calculated as 52.7 kJmol ⁻¹ for Co–FeO and 52.9 kJmol ⁻¹ for Ru–FeO. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the pristine FeO nanoparticles had particle sizes of 10–20 nm, while Co modification slightly increased the particle size to 20–25 nm. In contrast, Ru modification resulted in a broader particle size distribution ranging from 25 to 75 nm. The crystallite sizes estimated from the XRD data using the Scherrer equation were 2.5 nm for FeO, 2.0 nm for Co–FeO, and 1.8 nm for Ru–FeO. The results demonstrate that metal modification significantly influences the structural and catalytic properties of FeO nanoparticles. Notably, Ru–FeO exhibited enhanced catalytic activity and faster hydrogen generation, while Co–FeO provided more stable catalytic performance during the reaction. These findings highlight the potential of metal‐modified FeO nanocatalysts for efficient and sustainable hydrogen production.