Tailorable Formation of Hierarchical Structure Silica (HMS) and Its Application in Hydrogen Production

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

In the article, Tailorable formation of hierarchical structure silica (HMS) and its application in hydrogen production", authors investigated the synthesis of citric acid mediated HMS using F127. Authors characterized the catalyst using XRD, TEM and BET/pore-size analysis. They also investigated the high surface area catalyst for methane dry reforming reaction. The topic is relevant, however, the work looks routine and requires further revision before being accepted. More detailed analysis and careful interpretation of the catalytic experiments are needed.

1.       The introduction part needs to be thoroughly revised to provide context and selection of Ni, CeO2 and HMS for methane dry reforming reaction. There have been numerous studies on the role of CeO2 surface oxygen and nickel catalysts in DRM or reverse water gas shift reaction, and authors should incorporate these studies in the introduction section. 

2.       The experimental part requires more details for others to be able to reproduce the results. The methane dry reforming experimental conditions (catalyst amount, pelletized or not, bed size, reactants flow rates etc.) are not provided. It is not clear if the authors verified the synthesized composition. Based on the texts, it does not look like authors have experimentally investigated the composition of the synthesized materials.

3.       The volcanic trend in SSA as mentioned by the author is not very clear, as the highest CA concentration leads to exceptionally high area and breaks the trend completely.

4.       On page 3, line 108; authors mention “..would play a classical role in…”. The critical role of temperature is well known in hydrothermal synthesis. Maybe authors can rephrase the statement to make it clear. 

5.       Looking at the DRM stability in Fig. 7, the catalyst does suffer from coke formation; as further confirmed by TGA experiments. I think the authors should remove the phrase “excellent anti-coke capacity” from conclusion section. Also, the authors should provide more discussion on the catalytic results and analyise in light of existing literature, as in its current format it is more like just a description of the result rather that in depth analysis.     

Author Response

Comment 1

Catalysts-1905898

Title: Tailorable formation of hierarchical structure silica (HMS) and its application in hydrogen production

Dear Editor and Reviewer 1,

We would like to express our great appreciation to you for spending time to handle this article. The corrections are carefully performed from point to point, while the major revision is supplied according to your comments, which are highlighted in yellow in the Revised Manuscript and ps check the attachment 1. Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Luming Li,

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +86-16608096866

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Manuscript deals with the Tailorable formation of hierarchical structure silica (HMS) and  its application in hydrogen production. But publication point of view major changes are necessary.

1) There are a few grammatical mistakes. Please check the manuscript for grammar and English.

2) What is the novelty of the present work? Please rewrite it at the end of the introduction section.

3) In the case of XRD add a standard stick pattern.

4) In order to understand the oxidation state of prepared material add an XPS study.

5) While studying catalytic application optical study important, so add absorbance and bandgap plot of prepared materials.

6) More details about the hydrogen production study are included in the revised manuscript

7) Recycling experiments should be provided, for hydrogen production.

8) Did the surface morphology and phase composition of the catalyst have some changes after the hydrogen production study? It is recommended that the sample after the photodegradation test should be characterized to verify its stability and durability. Add SEM study before and after the photocatalytic experiment.

9) Compare your hydrogen production results with other researchers' work.

110) To enrich literatutre add some refernces

i) Surfaces and Interfaces 24, (2021) 101075 , ii) Chemical Physics Letters 731, (2019) 136582, iii) Materials Research Bulletin 133, (2021) 111026.

Author Response

Comment 2

catalysts-1905898

Title: Tailorable formation of hierarchical structure silica (HMS) and its application in hydrogen production

Dear Editor and Reviewer 2

We would like to express our thanks to you for spending time to handle this article. The corrections are carefully performed and major revision is supplied according to your remarks, and they are highlighted in yellow in the revised version and ps check the attachment 2. Thank you.

Best regards

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Luming Li,

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +86-16608096866

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The revised version incorporates the suggestions made earlier. 

The manuscript can be accepted. 

Author Response

Thanks for your supporting information

Reviewer 2 Report

accept

Author Response

Thanks for your supporting information