Hydrogen production by using manganese ferrite: Evidences and benefits of a multi-step reaction mechanism

Hydrogen production by water splitting with MnFe 2 O 4 / Na 2 CO 3 system was studied at 973 K. An intermediate phase, resulting from decarbonatation of MnFe 2 O 4 / Na 2 CO 3 mixture in inert atmosphere, proved to be effective in hydrogen reduction from water with stoichiometric yield. The presence of a highly reactive intermediate phase suggests the feasibility of a high efficiency, three-step, thermochemical cycle for hydrogen production. In fact, the possibility of obtaining CO 2 separately from the gases mixture dramatically enhances process efficiency.