Two-step water-splitting over nanometric NixFe3-xO4 ferrites has been investigated with respect to their structural and morphological changes derived from the substitution of Fe by Ni (x=0-1) in the ferrite structure. The substitution of iron by nickel in NixFe3-xO4 ferrites modifies their physicochemical characteristics. It is observed that the iron substitution by nickel in the ferrite changes its reduction behaviour and its resistance to sinter at high temperature. A lower capacity of the ferrite to be thermally reduced and a better resistance to thermal sintering were observed in ferrites with higher degree of Fe substitution by Ni. The activity of ferrites for the two-step water-splitting reaction depends on the characteristics of the NixFe3-xO4 ferrites. Those ferrites with higher Ni content showed better activity and reversibility for hydrogen production. These improvements can be related to the better sintering resistance during the thermal reduction step associated to the presence of nickel in the ferrite lattice.

Hydrogen production by solar two-step water-splitting on nanocrystalline NixFe3-xO4 ferrites: Effect of ferrite composition

244th National Meeting (2012)

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