Thermodynamic Analysis of Mixed-Metal Ferrites for Hydrogen Production by Two-Step Water Splitting

A thermodynamic analysis of the two-step water splitting process for the production of hydrogen is reported in this paper. Calculations simulating the preparation of ferrite samples, their thermal reduction to form a mixture of metal oxides, and subsequent reoxidation with steam to produce hydrogen were performed. Mixed-metal spinel ferrites of the general form MFe₂O₄, where M = Co, Ni, or Zn, are compared with iron spinel, Fe₃O₄. The results indicate that of the four ferrites examined, nickel spinel has the most favorable combination of properties for use in two-step water splitting.