Application of transition metal ferrites AFe2O4 (A= Co, Ni, Cu) for the catalytic decomposition of sulphuric acid involved in sulphur-iodine thermochemical cycle for nuclear hydrogen production

Spinel ferrites with general formula AFe2O4 (A= Co, Ni, Cu) were prepared by glycine-nitrate gel combustion method and characterized using powder XRD, FTIR, SEM and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The redox properties of the samples were studied by recording multiple TPR/O cycles. The copper ferrite sample was found to be the most easily reducible sample with Tmax for reduction occurring at the lowest temperature among all samples. The catalytic activity of all the samples were evaluated for sulphuric acid decomposition reaction in the temperature range of 650 deg C-825 deg C. Copper ferrite was found to be the most active catalyst for the reaction with ∼ 78% conversion at 800 deg C. (author)