In this study, we describe the successful fabrication of cobalt grown in situ on macroscopic alginate hydrogels (Co@AHs) and demonstrate that the as-prepared Co@AHs can act as a cost-effective and recyclable catalyst for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of NaBH4. The structure and morphology of the Co@AHs catalyst are identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The resultant Co@AHs samples show an excellent catalytic performance for the hydrogen generation from NaBH4 hydrolysis. The catalytic activity of the Co@AHs towards the hydrolysis reaction is systematically investigated by varying different reaction parameters, such as the catalyst dosage, temperature, and initial concentration of NaBH4 or NaOH. The Co@AHs catalyst can be easily separated after catalytic reaction and readily recycled over four successive reaction cycles. Considering that the eco-friendly and inexpensive Co@AHs is catalytically effective with superior recyclability, it should have potential application in the hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of borohydrides. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.