Work

Green and more sustainable catalyst for CO and CO2 hydrogenation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive approach to fabricating eco-friendly cobalt-based nano-catalyst using okra mucilage as a natural encapsulating and stabilizing agent for CO and CO 2 hydrogenation. Two distinct fabrication routes are evaluated: one utilizing Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) stabilized cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated by silica (NC catalyst), and the other employing okra mucilage (GNC catalyst). The ZIF-67 route with modified silica encapsulation shows enhanced thermal stability and mass transfer capabilities, essential for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS). In contrast, okra mucilage offers a greener and more economical alternative, forming a higher surface area catalyst with better pore accessibility. The green nano-catalyst derived from okra mucilage exhibited superior reduction behavior, thermal stability up to 600 °C, and enhanced dispersion of active sites, which influence catalyst performance. Additionally, the crucial role of H 2 /CO/CO 2 adsorption on the catalysts’ performance is evaluated experimentally through H 2 /CO/CO 2 -TPD and theoretically by employing molecular dynamics. Although the NC catalyst demonstrates superior CO and CO 2 conversion due to higher H 2 uptake, its performance declines more rapidly over time compared to the GNC catalyst, which has superior durability. Furthermore, the GNC catalyst presents improved selectivity for liquid fuel production due to its higher CO and CO 2 uptake than the NC catalyst. These findings highlight the potential of okra mucilage as a sustainable, cost-effective sacrificial template for green catalyst fabrication, with the GNC catalyst offering environmental benefits, enhanced stability, and selectivity in FTS, making it a promising candidate for sustainable catalyst development.

Source: Energy Conversion and Management X

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.100929

Authors: Masoud Safari Yazd, Jafar Towfighi Darian

Institution: Tarbiat Modares University

Language: English

Topic: Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,170