The use of waste frites as catalysts in the production of hydrogen from NaBh4 by methanolysis method

The demand for energy is continuously increasing due to the advancement in technology, while the existing energy sources are depleting, leading to severe environmental issues. Experts predict that petroleum derivatives, which are currently used to meet energy demand, will soon be unable to meet the growing energy needs. To fulfill the rising demand for energy and fuel, researchers are exploring the possibility of using hydrogen, which is the most abundant element in nature. Catalysts play a crucial role in the utilization, diffusion, and storage of hydrogen energy. It is important to prefer catalysts with low cost, high activity, and environmentally friendly properties for their sustainability. The use of waste is also important in this regard as it affects sustainability and cost. During the production of frit, which is a raw material used in ceramic manufacturing, waste frits are generated by the fusion process. These waste products can be utilized in hydrogen production, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental pollution, which can provide a new perspective on the matter. Frits are capable of catalyzing reactions due to the many minerals they contain. In our study, we used waste ceramic frits as catalysts to produce hydrogen from the methanolysis reaction of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). We compared the hydrogen production rates (HGR) of 11 different frits and determined the oxide contents of these frits using XRF analysis. The two frits with the highest HGR values were characterized using XRD and SEM-EDX methods and were identified by the codes F1 and F2. With 0.05 g catalyst and 1.25% NaBH4 at 30°C, the initial rates obtained for F1 and F2 were 10027 mL/min.gcat and 8839 mL/min.gcat, respectively. The activation energies of F1 and F2 frits were calculated to be 18.27 kJ/mol and 29.71 kJ/mol, respectively. The hydrogen production rate (HGR) obtained showed that waste frit can catalyze the NaBH4 methanolysis reaction thanks to the mineral and metal oxide content it possesses. The use of waste frits in hydrogen production can help reduce waste from ceramic production processes and provide an innovative perspective for sustainable energy production.