Catalytic Methane Decomposition to Carbon Nanostructures and COx-Free Hydrogen: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Catalytic methane decomposition (CMD) is a highly promising approach for the rational production of relatively COx-free hydrogen and carbon nanostructures, which are both important in multidisciplinary catalytic applications, electronics, fuel cells, etc. Research on CMD has been expanding in recent years with more than 2000 studies in the last five years alone. It is therefore a daunting task to provide a timely update on recent advances in the CMD process, related catalysis, kinetics, and reaction products. This mini-review emphasizes recent studies on the CMD process investigating self-standing/supported metal-based catalysts (e.g., Fe, Ni, Co, and Cu), metal oxide supports (e.g., SiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2), and carbon-based catalysts (e.g., carbon blacks, carbon nanotubes, and activated carbons) alongside their parameters supported with various examples, schematics, and comparison tables. In addition, the review examines the effect of a catalyst’s shape and composition on CMD activity, stability, and products. It also attempts to bridge the gap between research and practical utilization of the CMD process and its future prospects.

Production of COx-Free Hydrogen and Few-Layer Graphene Nanoplatelets by Catalytic Decomposition of Methane over Ni-Lignin-Derived Nanoparticles

“…(2) Because of lower carbonization temperatures, lignin char in the Ni@G-600 • C and Ni@G-700 • C samples are only partially carbonized, and the carbon-based structures in both samples are mainly amorphous carbon. Amorphous carbon structures have proved to be the most active carbon-based materials for catalytic decomposition of methane [4,23]. (3) Ni@G-600 • C and Ni@G-700 • C samples were prepared at the carbonization temperatures of 600 • C and 700 • C, respectively.…”

Nascent Decomposition Pathways of CH4 Pyrolysis in Gas-Phase Metal Halides

“…It is however possible to perform the reaction by using a molten catalyst in a bubble column. The molten catalyst could be a metal, or a metallic alloy, or a mixture of molten salts. − Several recent reviews on methane pyrolysis are available. − …”

Carbons Formed in Methane Thermal and Thermocatalytic Decomposition Processes: Properties and Applications

“…Methane also has a high hydrogen to carbon ratio of 4:1 [2]. In addition to methane's significant importance in hydrogen production, methane is also used in power generation and methanol production [3]. Hydrogen can be produced from methane in several ways.…”