Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel and Zinc Ferrite Nanocatalysts for Decomposition of CO₂ Greenhouse Effect Gas

The decomposition of CO₂ over oxygen deficient nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NFNs) and zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZFNs) at 573 K was studied. The oxidation states with fine structure of Fe/Ni or Fe/Zn species were also measured in NFNs and ZFNs catalysts, respectively. Oxygen deficiency of catalysts was obtained by reduction in hydrogen. Decomposition of CO₂ into carbon and oxygen has been carried out within few minutes when it comes into contact with oxygen deficient catalysts through incorporation of oxygen into ferrite nanoparticles. Oxygen and carbon rather than CO were produced in the decomposition process. The complete decomposition of CO₂ was possible because of higher degree of oxygen deficiency and surface-to-volume ratio of the catalysts. The pre-edge XANES spectra of Fe species in both catalysts exhibit an absorbance feature at 7114 eV for the 1s to 3d transition which is forbidden by the selection rule in case of perfect octahedral symmetry. The EXAFS data showed that the NFNs had two central Fe atoms coordinated by primarily Fe—O and Fe—Fe with bond distances of 1.871 and 3.051 Å, respectively. In case of ZFNs these values are 1.889 and 3.062 Å, respectively. Methane gas was produced during the reactivation of NFNs by flowing hydrogen gas. Decomposition of CO₂, moreover, recovery of valuable methane using heat energy of offgas produced from power generation plant or steel industry is an appealing alternative for energy recovery.