Impact of stainless steel nano-alloys on biogas production rate: safe catalysts

Abstract

Abstract The feasibility of using nontoxic stainless steel colloidal solutions, synthesized by laser ablation in distilled water, for the production of biogas is examined in this paper. Given that their biodigesters are treated concurrently while taking into account the same experimental and environmental circumstances, certain results are compared with earlier work on NiFe2O4. As a result, the cumulative gas volume after the 50-days incubation period increased to 172 and 207% for NiFe2O4 and stainless steel nano-alloys, respectively. Additionally, the biogas flame and the information at hand are used to interpret the biological effect. The free Cr stainless steel colloidal solution yields an unexpected biogas volume of 207% of control, according to a recent discovery. However, the inhibition of Cr-based stainless steel digesters is attributed to the heat shock mechanism–based NIR resonance fluorescence property. Novelty statement Enhancement of biogas production rate from cow dung by 207%, in comparison to control, using nontoxic stainless steel nano-alloys free of Cr element synthesized by laser ablation of commercial targets in water. However, nano-alloys based on Cr element exhibit an inhibition effect due to a heat shock mechanism. Accordingly, stainless steel nano-alloys synthesized by laser ablation in water are eco-friendly and safe catalysts for applicants and users. Graphical abstract