Efficient H-2 production from ethanol over Mo2C/C nanotube catalyst

Mo2C deposited on silica is an effective catalyst for the decomposition of ethanol; the extent of the reaction approached 100% even at 623-673 K. Beside H-2 several C-containing compounds were produced, which caused the low yield of hydrogen. Preparation of Mo2C by the reaction of MoO3 with multiwall carbon nanotube, however, dramatically altered the product distribution. The formation of hydrogen came into prominence; about 40% of hydrogen content of ethanol decomposed at 523-723 K has been converted into H-2. Another feature of the Mo2C/C nanotube is the relatively slow deactivation. Adding water to ethanol further enhanced the hydrogen production.