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

## TL;DR

This paper presents a new nanocomposite catalyst that improves hydrogen production from methanol steam reforming, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.

## Contribution

A novel CuFeO2–ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite catalyst synthesized via the glycine–nitrate process is introduced for enhanced hydrogen generation.

## Key findings

- The nanocomposite achieved a specific surface area of 6.32 m2/g, significantly higher than the baseline.
- It produced hydrogen at a rate of 6984 ± 35 mL STP min–1 g-cat–1 at 500 °C without activation treatment.
- The catalyst shows potential for cost-effective on-demand hydrogen generation in fuel cells.

## Abstract

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.