Co-production of hydrogen and multi-wall carbon nanotubes from ethanol decomposition over Fe/Al2O3 catalysts

The co-production of hydrogen and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from the decomposition of ethanol over Fe/Al2O3 at different temperatures and feeding rates of ethanol was investigated systematically. The results indicated that Fe/Al2O3 was a quite active catalyst for the co-production of hydrogen and CNTs and that its activity and stability depended strongly on the Fe loading. Among all catalysts tested, 10 mol% Fe/Al2O3 was the most effective catalyst based on the ratio of hydrogen production, the total H2 yield, and the quality of the CNTs formed. The efficiency of hydrogen production from ethanol decomposition over 10 mol% Fe/Al2O3 reached a maximum of ∼80% at 800 °C and the yield of CNTs with well-oriented growth and uniform diameter was 141%. In addition, the reaction of hydrogen and CNTs co-produced from ethanol decomposition was proposed.