Preparation and evaluation of molybdenum modified Fe/MgO catalysts for the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes and hydrogen-rich gas by ethanol decomposition

Catalytic decomposition of ethanol over a molybdenum modified Fe/MgO catalyst to synthesize carbon nanotubes and hydrogen-rich gas is evaluated at temperatures between 600 and 900 °C. The results show that molybdenum modified Fe/MgO is an effective catalyst for the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes and hydrogen at 800 °C. According to the gaseous and solid products obtained, the reaction pathways for ethanol decomposition are suggested. Catalytic activities and stabilities of Fe/MgO and molybdenum modified Fe/MgO catalysts on ethanol decomposition are compared. The results show that the catalytic performance for the production of carbon nanotubes and hydrogen from ethanol decomposition can be improved significantly after the modification of molybdenum.