Solar thermochemical conversion of CO2 into synthetic fuels via ferrite based redox reactions

Abstract

In this contribution, we report the synthesis NiFe2O4 and CoFe2O4 redox materials via sol-gel method. For the synthesis of these materials via sol-gel approach, the Ni, Co, and Fe precursors were first dissolved in ethanol with the help of sonic energy. Once the metal precursors were dissolved, propylene oxide (PO) was added dropwise to the well mixed solution as a gelation agent to achieve gel formation. As-prepared gels were aged, dried and subsequently calcined in presence air. The calcined powder obtained was characterized towards its phase/chemical composition, particle morphology, and specific surface area (SSA). Derived NiFe2O4 and CoFe2O4 redox materials were further investigated towards thermochemical splitting of CO2 into solar fuels by performing several reduction/re-oxidation cycles using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA).