H2 production from microwave-induced CH4 decomposition

The decomposition of methane (CH₄) is studied as a method for hydrogen (H₂) production, using activated carbon as a catalyst and microwave heating to enhance efficiency. This process breaks methane’s chemical bonds, yielding hydrogen and solid carbon. Microwave heating promotes the reaction by generating localized hot spots. A key factor in this process is the formation of microplasmas, which help break methane molecules, especially in CH₄/N₂ mixtures. However, carbon deposits on the catalyst over time, reducing its activity. Understanding and controlling the formation of these carbon nanofilaments is essential to maintaining catalyst efficiency and optimizing the process.
References:
Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of CH4/N2 mixtures over activated carbon
Microwave-assisted catalytic decomposition of methane over activated carbon for
-free hydrogen production
Growth of nanofilaments on carbon-based materials from microwave-assisted decomposition of CH4
Ball lightning plasma and plasma arc formation during the microwave heating of carbons

#methane #hydrogen #microwave #activatedcarbon #catalysis #microplasmas #carbonnanofilaments #energyefficiency #catalystdeactivation #sustainableenergy