Preparation and Studies of ZnFe2O4–CeO2 Nanopowder via Self Combustion Glycine Nitrate Process for Methanol Steam Reforming Hydrogen Production

Abstract

As fossil fuels have finite resources and environmental drawbacks, there’s a growing interest in cleaner, renewable energy. Hydrogen (H₂) is seen as a promising alternative to petroleum due to its non-toxic, clean combustion that only produces water and avoids carbon dioxide emissions. In this study, different ratios of ZnFe₂O₄–CeO₂ nanopowder were synthesized via the glycine nitrate process (GNP). The ZnFe₂O₄–CeO₂ nanopowder catalyst was prepared by GNP, which was immensely porous and had a cotton-like structure. Moreover, the glycine nitrate process, which is a synthesis technology, can offer the advantages of low cost, simplicity, and speed and create a porous structure for the catalyst. The BET measurement revealed that the specific surface area of the as-combusted ZnFe₂O₄–CeO₂ nanopowder varied from 8.48 m²/g to 19.82 m²/g. Hydrogen production through the SRM process was monitored by using a gas chromatograph equipped with a thermal conductivity detector. The 20ZnFe₂O₄–80CeO₂ powder had the highest H₂ production without activation, reaching 7566.08 mL STP min^–1 g-cat^–1 at a reaction temperature of 550 °C achieved at an N₂ flow rate of 30 sccm. This study indicates that the glycine nitrate process imparts a porous structure to the catalyst, thereby increasing hydrogen production. Moreover, suitable incorporation of CeO₂ could improve the catalytic performance in the SRM process on hydrogen. Therefore, ZnFe₂O₄–CeO₂ nanopowders may have significant economic prospects.

Porous ZnFe₂O₄–CeO₂ nanopowders synthesized via glycine nitrate combustion effectively enhance hydrogen production from steam reforming of methanol, offering a promising, low-cost catalyst for sustainable energy applications.