Iron Oxide Supported on Al2O3 Catalyst for Methane Decomposition Reaction: Effect of MgO Additive and Calcination Temperature

Production of hydrogen is a challenging task and have significant impact in the recent scenario. The alumina supported iron oxide nanoparticle synthesized using non-ionic surfactant Triton-X was found very effective for steady production of hydrogen through methane decomposition reaction. The high surface area, easily reducible catalyst calcined at 500 degrees C and 800 degrees C temperature showed steady activity towards methane decomposition reaction. At a higher reaction temperature there was catalyst deactivation. The doping of MgO facilitated particle growth rendering the poor catalytic activity. The TPR study showed that reducibility of TPR was difficult in presence of MgO additive. The formation of Fe-Mg-Al solid solution confirmed by XRD study was found mainly responsible for the lower catalytic activity. The bamboo-shaped carbon nanotube formed from 20% Fe/Al2O3 catalyst which is mainly because of the poor wetting property of quasi-liquid metal and carbon nanotube.