Microwave-activated CuO nanotip/ZnO nanorod nanoarchitectures for efficient hydrogen production

Abstract

Microwave treatment of CuO nanotip/ZnO nanorod catalyst precursors has been demonstrated to remarkably enhance their activity in methanol reforming reactions. Studies using XRD, Raman, XPS, XAS, and HRTEM analyses conclude that comparative to conventional heating, microwave treatment significantly enhances the activity and stability of the catalysts, which might be attributed to defect and microstrain formation and strong metal support interaction at the Cu/ZnO interface.