Cobalt and iron modified activated carbon from coal tar pitch: preparation and application as catalysts for methanol decomposition

Abstract

Activated carbons were prepared from waste coal treatment by-products by different preparation and activation procedures and applied as a host matrix of nanodispersed cobalt and iron species. Thus obtained composites were characterized by nitrogen physisorption, XRD, UV–Vis, FTIR, TPR and tested as catalysts in methanol decomposition to hydrogen and CO. It was established that the activated carbon, prepared from waste coal treatment by-products could be successfully used for the preparation of highly active catalysts for methanol decomposition. The facilitated effect of surface functionality decrease on the dispersion and catalytic activity of loaded metal species was demonstrated.