Iron catalysts enhanced by ultrasound for methane decomposition and hydrogen generation
Ahmed A. Ibrahim, Hamid Ahmed, Anis H. Fakeeha, Ahmed E. Abasaeed, Ahmed S. Al‐Fatesh, Ahmed I. Osman
Abstract
Clean hydrogen production offers a viable alternative in the transition to a greener and more sustainable energy future. This study introduces a novel method for enhancing Fe/Al2O3 catalysts using La2O3 and CeO2 doping, aimed at improving hydrogen production via methane decomposition. It addresses the critical challenge of modulating metal-support interaction. Employing ultrasonication in the catalyst preparation, we observed through XRD, H2-TPR, H2 chemisorption, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, and TPO analyses that La2O3 addition prevents FeAl2O4 formation and increases Fe reduction and active sites. Catalysts assisted by ultrasound outperform traditional methods, exhibiting a consistent and significant increase in conversion and yield efficiencies. The La2O3-modified catalysts outperformed the standard Fe/Al2O3 catalyst in methane decomposition. At 800 °C, they demonstrated enhanced activity and stability under demanding conditions, achieving a methane conversion of 93% and hydrogen yield of 84%. This approach boosts hydrogen production and contributes to the development of sustainable and efficient energy solutions.