[nanoPost] Simultaneous production of H2 and carbone nanotubes

More particularly, the invention relates to a process for preparing hydrogen and carbon nanotubes from catalytic decomposition of ethanol or bioethanol over a Ni/La₂O₃ catalyst that is obtainable by H₂ reduction of a LaNiO₃ perovskite catalyst precursor. One of the most important features of that catalyst is the presence of small particles of nickel, which favors the formation of carbon nanotubes

CNTs are grown in large scale by catalytic decomposition of hydrocarbons or oxygen containing compounds in the presence of supported transition metal catalysts such as iron oxide or Ni/SiO₂ but these use non-renewable fuels (methane or hydrocarbons).

Hydrogen is a material of great industrial interest particularly for the desulphurization and/or hydrogenation of aromatic derivatives produced in oil refining plants. Hydrogen is also used in mixtures with carbon monoxide and nitrogen for the synthesis of methanol, ammonia and liquid hydrocarbon products (Fischer-Tropsch reactions). Moreover, the utilization of hydrogen for fuel-cell type applications is considered to be one of the most promising leads to answer the energy needs of the future. However, the main drawbacks associated with the current production of hydrogen are the use of non-renewable fuels (natural gas or hydrocarbons) and the emission of carbon dioxide during the process.

 BENEFITS

-         environmentally friendly production of CNT and hydrogen

-         concomitant production

-         external diameter of MWCNT varies from 20 to 40 nm

-         production of at least 15 g per gram of catalyst

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

-         applications of CNTs: composites, sensors,

-         applications of hydrogen