Conversion of biomass-derived chitosan into functional catalysts for renewable hydrogen generation

A sustainable biopolymer-based composite catalyst, Chitosan@CeO2@P, was developed from biomass-derived chitosan through the incorporation of cerium oxide nanoparticles and phosphate functionalities, aiming at efficient biomass-inspired hydrogen production systems. The catalyst design aligns with bioresource valorization and bioenergy integration strategies for low-carbon energy technologies. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful formation of a hybrid bio-based catalytic structure with enhanced surface functionality. The catalytic performance was evaluated in the alcoholysis of NaBH4 as a chemical hydrogen carrier relevant to renewable energy storage. Solvent engineering played a decisive role in performance enhancement: while pure methanol provided a hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 3832 mL min-1 g-1, a methanol/glycerol (1:1 v/v) mixture-containing a biomass-derived polyol-significantly increased the HGR to 10518 mL min-1 g-1. The improved activity originates from synergistic interactions between CeO2 active centers and phosphate-modified chitosan, promoting efficient catalytic pathways. Kinetic studies revealed favorable reaction dynamics with an activation energy of 30.4 kJ mol-1. This study demonstrates the potential of biomass-derived catalytic materials for sustainable hydrogen generation and advanced bioenergy applications.