2.5. Nanocatalysts characterization techniques
The crystalline structure of the synthesized nanocatalysts was observed using an XRD analyzer. It was carried out employing a Siemens D5000 X-ray diffractometer with following conditions: Cu Kα radiation source (λ = 0.154056 nm), scanning rate: 0.02°/s, scanning range (2θ): 10–90° and operating conditions: 30 kV and 40 mA. The surface morphology of Ni-based nanocatalysts was studied with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM, HITACHI S-4160) analyzer. EDX analysis was carried out with a VEGA∖∖TESCAN analyzer for surface elemental analysis. The specific surface area of the nanocatalysts was measured by nitrogen adsorption/desorption using a QuantachromeChemBET 3000 analyzer. Before BET analysis, all samples were preheated at 200 °C for 30 min. For determining surface functional groups, Unicam 4000 FTIR spectrometer was employed. KBr plate was used in the range of 400–4000 cm−1.
2.6. Experimental setup for catalytic performance test