Novel biomorphic Ni/SiC catalysts that enhance cellulose conversion to hydrogen

High-intensity ultrasonic irradiation was used to improve the synthesis of cellulose-fiber-templated β-SiC by poly(carbomethylsilane) infiltration, and this improved method was also applied to the synthesis of biomorphic SiC materials from jute fiber, bark from a paperbark tree, bamboo fibers, and butterfly wing. The method could also be applied to produce a composite material, containing Ca, Si, C, and O, from poly(carbomethylsilane) and the bone of a cuttlefish. The parent structures were replicated with high fidelity in the final ceramics. Cellulose-fiber- and paperbark-templated β-SiC samples were impregnated with Ni particles, and the resulting material was used as a catalyst for cellulose pyrolysis. The Ni/paperbark-templated β-SiC catalyst was more effective for H2 generation, likely because paperbark-templated β-SiC had a higher surface area and average pore size than the cellulose-templated β-SiC.

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► Biomorphic SiC was prepared from cellulose, jute, paperbark, and butterfly wing.
► Ultrasound improved the synthesis of biomorphic SiC by polymer infiltration.
► A biomorphic ceramic was prepared from cuttlebone.
► A Ni/SiC catalyst was prepared on cellulose- and paperbark-templated SiC.
► Ni/biomorphic SiC catalyzed H2 formation from cellulose.