Rhenium borides (Re3B and ReB2) mechanosynthesis and their use as a catalyst for H2 production from biomass pyrolysis

Abstract

In this study, we report on Re3B and ReB2 mechanosynthesis. Re3B and ReB2 are used as catalysts in H2 production by coconut shell pyrolysis from 500 to 800 °C and using 5, 10, and 20 wt % of catalyst. H2, CH4, and CO production is monitored using gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector. Re3B shows the highest catalytic activity for H2 production at 800 °C and 10 wt % of catalyst. Furthermore, Re3B reaches 77.4 % H2 yield at optimal conditions, the highest value reported in the literature. Re3B and ReB2 were also characterized by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We propose a scheme for molecular hydrogen formation based on TPR and FTIR characterizations, thermodynamics analysis, and H2 production.