Work

Machine learning-guided optimization of nickel-based catalysts for enhanced biohydrogen production through catalytic pyrolysis of biomass

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the usage of machine learning (ML) to optimize nickel-based catalysts for biohydrogen production via catalytic pyrolysis (CP). While these catalysts offer cost, activity, and thermal stability advantages, they face deactivation through sintering and coke formation. Developing catalysts to combat these challenges is time-consuming and resource-intensive. ML models were used to predict hydrogen yield by leveraging a dataset of 159 points with 13 input features. The random forest (RF) regressor model demonstrated superior predictive capability, achieving an R 2 score of 0.78 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.47. Optimal catalyst formulation of 34.34 wt% nickel loading on carbon nanotube support was predicted to yield 75.74 vol% hydrogen. Analysis of feature importance revealed reaction temperature as the most significant parameter (0.14), followed by carbon content (0.11), calcination temperature (0.09), and nickel loading (0.085). This study provides valuable insights into optimizing nickel-based catalysts for enhanced hydrogen production from biomass.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.03.219

Authors: Vishal V. Persaud, Abderrachid Hamrani, Medeba Uzzi, Norman D.H. Munroe

Institution: Florida International University

Language: English

Topic: Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730