ZnSnO3 - SnO2 nanocomposite as a catalyst for efficient hydrogen production through sodium borohydride methanolysis

Abstract

In this work, we describe a straightforward modified sol gel approach for producing zinc stannate-tin oxide (ZnSnO3-SnO2) nanocomposite particles by combining tin chloride and zinc acetate using EDTA ammonium salt as an electrosteric inhibition agent. The acquired samples were characterized using simultaneous thermal gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalyst activity of ZnSnO3-SnO2 particles in hydrogen production was determined by the methanolysis reaction from NaBH4. The hydrogen generation rate TOF (Turnover Frequency) The hydrogen generation rate, activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) values of the hydrogen production reaction were calculated as 374.11 ml min−1.g−1 (832.38 h−1), 43.19 kJ mol−1, 40.65 kJ mol−1 and -178.96 J/mol.K, respectively. The prepared ZnSnO3-SnO2 composite can be recycled and used without obvious loss of activity; This makes the procedure economical and environmentally friendly.