Fabricating Fibrous Network Aerogel of ZIF-67 Nanoflower Loaded with Nano Co₂B and Cellulose Nanofiber for Catalytic NaBH₄ Hydrolysis

Aerogels are attractive for catalytic applications due to their ultra-low density and high surface area. Here, we prepare a novel composite aerogel integrating chitosan, cellulose, carbon nanofibers, and micron-sized Co₂B@ZIF-67 catalyst via sol-gel and freeze-drying methods. The free-standing Co₂B@e-ZIF-67 exhibits a hydrogen generation rate of 13,701.1 mL min⁻¹ g⁻¹, attributed to the uniform immobilization of Co₂B active species within the ZIF-67 framework, which prevents agglomeration and maximizes active site exposure. When embedded in the aerogel, the catalyst achieves a hydrogen generation rate of 9,811.7 mL min⁻¹ g⁻¹, with an active site exposure efficiency of 71.7% and a low mass loss of 7.9% after reaction. The aerogel’s chemically crosslinked network ensures uniform catalyst dispersion and structural stability. Moreover, the use of natural polysaccharides (chitosan and cellulose) as the aerogel skeleton provides inherent biodegradability and recyclability, making this system a promising candidate for sustainable catalytic hydrogen production.