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Silver-Nanoparticle-Decorated Fused Carbon Sphere Composite as a Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation

Author

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  • Erik Biehler

    (Applied Research Center, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Department of Molecular Biology and Chemistry, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606, USA)

  • Qui Quach

    (Applied Research Center, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Department of Molecular Biology and Chemistry, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606, USA)

  • Tarek M. Abdel-Fattah

    (Applied Research Center, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Department of Molecular Biology and Chemistry, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606, USA)

Abstract

The dwindling supply of fossil fuels has resulted in a search for an efficient alternative energy source. Hydrogen gas offers an abundant, clean-burning supply of energy that can be readily produced over time via the water-splitting reaction of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ). This study explored the synthesis of a novel catalyst comprised of silver nanoparticles supported on fused carbon spheres (AgNP-FCS). This composite catalyst was then tested for its ability to optimize the hydrolysis reaction of NaBH 4 . The fused carbon spheres (FCS) were synthesized via a sustainable source, namely a dextrose solution. The synthesized AgNP-FCS catalyst was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average diameter of silver nanoparticles on the catalyst was found to be 30 nm with 3.7% loading. This catalyst was tested under various reaction conditions, including temperatures, doses of NaBH 4 , and solution pHs. The activation energy of the reaction as catalyzed by AgNP-FCS was determined to be 37.0 kJ mol −1 , which was competitive when compared to similar catalysts for this reaction. A study of the reusability of this catalyst suggests that the catalyst can be used multiple times consecutively with no loss in hydrogen generated. This material presents an opportunity for a sustainable catalyst to optimize the amount of hydrogen generated via the hydrolysis of NaBH 4 .

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Biehler & Qui Quach & Tarek M. Abdel-Fattah, 2023. "Silver-Nanoparticle-Decorated Fused Carbon Sphere Composite as a Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:13:p:5053-:d:1182914
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shafiee, Shahriar & Topal, Erkan, 2009. "When will fossil fuel reserves be diminished?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 181-189, January.
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