Areca leaves as a source of carbon: Preliminary investigation as catalyst support for electrolytic hydrogen evolution in acidic medium

Our work tends to establish Green Energy from Waste concept. Refuses/wastes can be a secondary resource for variety of materials which may find applications in domestic, industrial, medical, electronic and energy devices. We have attempted to produce activated carbon powders from a cheap waste namely biomass of areca leaves. The material has been exploited as catalyst support materials in H2 production through water electrolysis. Catalyst powders of 10% Ni and 1% Pt by weight were supported on the carbon produced from the leaves using NaBH4 reduction of the respective salts. Physical features of the catalyst powders were evaluated through PXRD, FTIR, density, SEM, surface area. Catalytic activity of the biocarbon supported catalyst powders was assessed by LSV & CV. The carbon produced may attract technological importance because carbon source selected is cheap and green. Further the activated carbon may find applications such as electrode materials, adsorbent for color, odor and hazardous pollutants.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Work shows the method of producing biocarbon from a waste. ► The waste used in our study is areca leaf. ► The above biocarbon is used for producing electrocatalysts with Ni and Pt. ► The biocarbon is shown to be potential as low-cost electrocatalyst support. ► Above electrocatalyst is used for generating H2 from acidified water.