Biomass-derived Ru/AC-ZSM composite catalyst for efficient hydrogen generation via NaBH4 methanolysis
Biomass and Bioenergy, vol.214, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 214
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2026.109520
- Journal Name: Biomass and Bioenergy
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC
- Keywords: Hydrogen generation, Methanolysis, NaBH4, Ru/AC-ZSM composite
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The development of efficient and stable catalysts for hydrogen generation via sodium borohydride (NaBH4) methanolysis is important for sustainable energy applications. In this study, a biomass-derived Ru/AC-ZSM composite catalyst was prepared using activated carbon obtained from poplar sawdust and ZSM as a multifunctional support. The optimized 5 wt% Ru/AC-ZSM catalyst exhibited a high hydrogen generation rate of 37.41 L/min.gcatalyst at 30 °C using 5 mg catalyst, 150 mg NaBH4, and 8 mL methanol. Kinetic analysis revealed a low activation energy of 10.6 kJ/mol, indicating efficient catalytic promotion of the methanolysis reaction. The catalyst also retained approximately 65% of its initial activity after five consecutive cycles, demonstrating acceptable operational stability. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between highly dispersed Ru nanoparticles, defect-rich activated carbon, and the zeolitic framework of ZSM, which improves active-site accessibility and reactant activation. These results demonstrate that the Ru/AC-ZSM composite is a promising and sustainable catalyst for efficient hydrogen production via NaBH4 methanolysis.