Influence of Zn and Ni dopants on the physicochemical and activity patterns of CoFe2O4 derived catalysts for hydrogen production by catalytic cracking of methane

Alharthi, A. I., Abdel‑Fattah, E., Hargreaves, J. S.J. , Alotaibi, M. A., Din, I. U. and Al-Shalwi, M. N. (2023) Influence of Zn and Ni dopants on the physicochemical and activity patterns of CoFe2O4 derived catalysts for hydrogen production by catalytic cracking of methane. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 938, 168437. (doi: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.168437)

Abstract

Zinc and nickel incorporated CoFe2O4 materials have been synthesized via a wet chemical method. Characterization of these cobalt ferrite based catalysts was undertaken using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalytic activity of these materials was evaluated by monitoring the direct cracking of methane for the production of hydrogen and carbon. The XRD and SEM results indicated that Ni incorporation preserves the inverse spinel structure of CoFe2O4, whilst Zn incorporation changes its microstructure. The Co 2p, Fe 2p and O 1 s XP spectra confirm the expected oxidation states of the elements in the near surface region of the catalysts. Raman spectra indicate cation redistribution between tetrahedral and octahedral sites upon Ni and Zn incorporation into CoFe2O4. BET surface area analysis revealed Ni incorporation is more effective in increasing the surface area of CoFe2O4 compared to Zn incorporation. Indeed, catalytic activity evaluation showed that Ni incorporation into CoFe2O4 improved methane conversion and correspondingly the hydrogen formation rate. In contrast, Zn incorporation led to very low catalytic activity. The spent catalysts were further characterized and the results are strongly correlated with catalytic activity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia for funding this research work through the project number (PSAU-2021/01/18189).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hargreaves, Professor Justin

Creator Roles

Hargreaves, J.: Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Alharthi, A. I., Abdel‑Fattah, E., Hargreaves, J. S.J., Alotaibi, M. A., Din, I. U., and Al-Shalwi, M. N.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0925-8388
• ISSN (Online): 1873-4669
• Published Online: 10 December 2022
• Copyright Holders: Crown Copyright © 2022 Published by Elsevier B.V.
• First Published: First published in Journal of Alloys and Compounds 938:168437
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy