Enhanced Catalytic Performance for H Harvesting from Steam Reforming of Methanol Using Glycine Nitrate Process Synthesized Novel CuFeO-ZnFeO Porous Nanocomposite Catalyst.

Nowadays, depleting petrochemical resources and global fossil fuel pollution are urgent issues. Hydrogen (H) 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 H remain challenging. The industrial H production path involves the use of steam reforming of methanol, which could effectively avoid the danger of directly using H. Methanol steam reforming (SRM) offers a safe and practical route for H production, leveraging methanol-favorable properties. In this work, a CuFeO-ZnFeO 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 m/g. The best performance achieved was an H production rate of 6984 ± 35 mL STP min g-cat (or) 312 ± 2 mmol STP ming-cat with a flow rate of 30 sccm at 500 °C, without activation treatment. Based on the establishment, highlight the potential of CuFeO-ZnFeO nanocomposite as a cost-effective catalyst for on-demand hydrogen generation in fuel cell applications in the future.