Investigating the potential of ZrO₂/MoO₃ nanocomposites for efficient hydrogen generation through NaBH₄ methanolysis

This work investigates the potential of ZrO₂/MoO₃ nanocomposites as catalysts for hydrogen production through NaBH₄ methanolysis. The samples were prepared by controlled thermal calcination and characterized using various techniques like XRD, FTIR, Raman, SEM, and surface area BET analysis. Rietveld refinements verified the presence of the ZrO₂ monoclinic phase with the space group P2₁/c in all samples and a second orthorhombic MoO₃ phase with the space group Pnma. The average crystal size decreased from 44 to 40 nm. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful preparation of ZrO₂/MoO₃ nanocomposites. SEM analysis showed ZrO₂ particles and MoO₃ nanoparticles adhered to the ZrO₂ surface, potentially creating a rougher texture. The results confirmed the formation of ZrO₂/MoO₃ nanocomposites with increasing MoO₃ content, leading to an increased surface area of 19–23 m²/g. The catalytic performance evaluation revealed that the sample containing 30 % MoO₃ (ZM3) exhibited the highest hydrogen generation rate of 18,451 mL/g. min at 30 °C. The calculated activation energy for ZM3 was 18.78 kJ/mol, suggesting efficient hydrogen generation at moderate temperatures.