@article{Chen2026, 
author = {Xin Chen and Zhenyu Wang and Hui Yao and Mingjie Jia and Yiming Wang and Die Shao and Na Ju and Yao Wang and Zilong Liu and Guangwen Xu and Yongjian Ai and Hong-bin Sun},
title = {High-entropy layered hydroxide nanocatalysts via in-situ etching-growth of ZIF-67 for robust hydrogen generation from concentrated NaBH4 solution},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
volume = {19},
number = {4},
pages = {94908464},
keywords = {high-entropy materials, hydrogen generation, sodium borohydride hydrolysis, layered hydroxide, metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived catalyst, in-situ etching-growth},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908464},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908464},
abstract = {Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution is a promising liquid “fuel” for continuous hydrogen supply through catalytic hydrolysis, offering a safer alternative to compressed hydrogen to fuel cells. However, the harsh thermal and chemical environments of concentrated NaBH4 hydrolysis cause rapid catalyst deactivation. Herein, we synthesized a high-entropy layered hydroxide (HELH, FeCoNiCuZn@ZIF-67 (ZIF-67 = zeolitic imidazolate framework-67)) nanocatalyst via an in-situ etching-growth strategy with ZIF-67. The mechanical structure of residual ZIF-67 inside ensures the robustness of active centers and particles. The efficiency of hydrogen generation is guaranteed by the synergy of different metals in high-entropy structures, which involves borohydride adsorption and H2 release. Benefiting from this cooperative architecture, the HELH catalyst achieves a high hydrogen generation rate of 8 L·min−1·g−1 in a 25 wt.% NaBH4 solution. Density functional theory and electrochemical analyses reveal that abundant oxygen vacancies and multi-metal synergy optimize water activation and lower the reaction barrier. This work provides an effective strategy for designing robust high-entropy catalysts for extreme conditions.}
}