Properties of Nanocatalytic Materials for Hydrogen Production from Renewable Resources

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONHeterogeneous catalysis is an integral part of more than 90% of chemical manufacturing processes worldwide. 1 It has been improving in both energy production and environment on the Earth (i.e., reduced crude cracking). Currently, almost 85% of the world energy demand is fulfilled by oil, natural gas, and coal. 2 These finite resources will deplete within less than 120 years. 3 Moreover, the alternative nonconventional energy sources, such as solar energy, geothermal energy, and nuclear energy, are difficult to grow rapidly to fill the gap. Additionally, CO 2 emissions, mainly from fossil energy combustion, 4 have increased tremendously in the past 150 years (from 280 to 370 ppm). The standard of living conditions is improving constantly at the expense of higher energy consumption. However, we cannot afford to meet our energy needs at the cost of environmental and climate deterioration in the twenty-first century. The aforementioned challenges urge us to develop alternative and clean energy resources to secure the sustainability of human society and the environment.Combustion of H 2 is an attractive alternative; unlike fossil fuels, its only combustion by-product is water. In addition, H 2 possesses the highest energy content per unit weight than any other fuels, almost three times that of gasoline. Furthermore, H 2 is available from a variety of sources in the universe. Thus, H 2 has been considered to be the best solutions to the potential energy crisis. 5 It has also been globally used in ammonia Nanocatalysis: Synthesis and Applications, First Edition. Edited by Vivek Polshettiwar and Tewodros Asefa.