Enhanced Catalytic Performance for H2 Harvesting from Steam Reforming of Methanol Using Glycine Nitrate Process Synthesized Novel CuFeO2-ZnFe2O4 Porous Nanocomposite Catalyst.

Nowadays, depleting petrochemical resources and global fossil fuel pollution are urgent issues. Hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a promising alternative energy source to combat climate change, the energy crisis, and environmental concerns. However, in the hydrogen energy sector, the storage and transportation of H2 remain challenging. The industrial H2 production path involves the use of steam reforming of methanol, which could effectively avoid the danger of directly using H2. Methanol steam reforming (SRM) offers a safe and practical route for H2 production, leveraging methanol-favorable properties. In this work, a CuFeO2-ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite with enhanced surface area was synthesized via the glycine-nitrate process (GNP) and employed as a catalyst for SRM. Structural and morphological analyses were conducted using X-ray diffraction studies, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and BET. The as-combusted nanocomposite exhibited a specific surface area increase from 1.90 to 6.32 m2/g. The best performance achieved was an H2 production rate of 6984 ± 35 mL STP min-1 g-cat-1 (or) 312 ± 2 mmol STP min-1g-cat-1 with a flow rate of 30 sccm at 500 °C, without activation treatment. Based on the establishment, highlight the potential of CuFeO2-ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite as a cost-effective catalyst for on-demand hydrogen generation in fuel cell applications in the future.