Researchers from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Abu Dhabi Polytechnic have developed a novel, low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production by combining desert sand, date-pit-derived biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, and nickel. Published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, the university-funded study explores an innovative pathway for converting abundant regional natural assets and agricultural biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More into functional materials for clean energy transitions in the United Arab Emirates.

The primary challenge addressed by the engineering team was overcoming the physical limitations of desert sand as a catalytic support structure. In its natural form, desert sand exhibits low chemical activity and insufficient surface area, which typically causes active metals like nickel to agglomerate during thermochemical processes. High-cost synthetic supports are traditionally required to achieve the necessary porosityPorosity of biochar is a key factor in its effectiveness as a soil amendment and its ability to retain water and nutrients. Biochar’s porosity is influenced by feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature, and it plays a crucial role in microbial activity and overall soil health. Biochar More and active site dispersion, creating an economic barrier for scalable, sustainable hydrogen generation.

To resolve these material constraints, the researchers systematically evaluated 30 distinct formulations to maximize structural efficiency. They discovered that integrating date-pit biochar into the matrix significantly elevated the material’s porosity, overall surface area, and hydrogen adsorption capacity. The optimal composite—comprising 42.5% biochar, 42.5% desert sand, and 15% nickel—utilized the biochar matrix to evenly disperse the nickel particles across the sand substrate, effectively mitigating metal aggregation without relying on expensive synthetic carriers.

Initial performance testing of the composite catalyst yielded a 38% methane conversion rate during thermal decomposition at operating temperatures between 500°C and 600°C. By leveraging a local agricultural byproduct to convert inert sand into a high-performance substrate, the collaboration demonstrated a viable framework for circular-economy functional materials. Future research phases will focus on assessing the catalyst’s long-term operational durability, thermal stability, and potential for cyclic reuse under industrial conditions.