(48e) Immobilized Ferrite Nanoparticles for H2 Generation Via Low Temperature Thermochemical Water-Splitting Process

H₂ in its cleaner form can be efficiently produced from the thermochemical water-splitting process. As the process is typically performed at higher temperatures of 900^o-1600^oC, significant energy input is needed for continuous H₂ production during multiple thermochemical cycles. At higher temperatures though grain growth and spalling of redox materials in thermal reactors often lead to decrease in the H₂ volume during multiple thermochemical cycles. In order to reduce the grain growth and achieve thermal stabilization, we attempted to synthesize novel immobilized ferrite nanoparticles using the sol-gel technique. In particular, highly porous ceramic supports were utilized to immobilize the ferrite nanoparticles. The morphologies of these immobilized materials were investigated by the scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A number of ferrite nanoparticles were immobilized and their H₂ generation ability was compared at lower temperatures of 600^o-900^o­C. Synthesis of immobilized ferrite nanoparticles, characterization and H₂ volume generation results will be presented.