Production of hydrogen and multi-walled carbon nanotubes by ethanol decomposition over Fe/CeO₂ catalysts

ABSTRACT

Fe/CeO₂ catalysts with different ferrum loading were prepared by solid state melting method. Ethanol decomposition on those catalysts at different temperature (600, 700, and 800°C) has been studied. To evaluate the catalytic performance in ethanol decomposition, gaseous and solid products produced from ethanol decomposition were collected and analyzed; H₂ and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were obtained. In these experiments, ethanol decomposition on Fe (30 wt%)/CeO₂ at 600°C showed the maximum H₂ yield (the maximum H₂ yield was 94%, which was higher than that of previous reports). In addition, other gaseous products include CH₄ and CO were observed, but CO₂ was not be detected. The content of H₂, CO, and CH₄ were 60 ~ 80%, 20 ~ 25%, and 0 ~ 10%, respectively. MWCNTs have formed in ethanol decomposition process, the quality and purity of MWCNTs increase with increasing temperature, and the material with the carbon-encapsulated metal structure was obtained.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethanol decomposition
• MWCNTs
• hydrogen
• Fe/CeO₂
• CO₂ negative

Acknowledgments

This work is financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China with Grant No. 21676148.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [21676148].

Notes on contributors

Yupeng Xiao

Yupeng Xiao is studying in School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology as a postgraduate.

Wenju Wang

Wenju Wang is working in School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology as a professor.

Tianle Li

Tianle Li is studying in School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology as a postgraduate.

Chenglong Liu

Chenglong Liu is studying in School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology as a doctoral student.