Hydrogen from Methane: Application of Microwave Discharge and Catalyst

Abstract

This paper presents the results of experiments to produce hydrogen using methane pyrolysis with microwave (MW) discharge and steel catalyst in an applied research installation PM-6. The experiments were conducted to determine the fullest extent of methane decomposition in microwave discharge in the PM-6 installation us- ing steel catalyst with varied nickel content. The results showed that the use of nickel catalysts provides the highest hydrogen yield under optimal conditions. Hydrogen production technology was implemented using catalyst in MW discharge with the maximum rate of methane conversion up to 32±2 % and hydrogen selec- tivity up to 85±1 % at MW discharge of 0.6 kW, methane flow rate of 0.25±0.05 l/min and argon 8.0±0.2 l/min. Overall, the results of the study highlight the importance of choosing catalysts to achieve op- timal conditions for methane pyrolysis and create efficient technologies for hydrogen production. The data obtained from the experiments could be useful for the development of industrial pyrolysis plants, which will contribute to a more sustainable energy future and a reduced carbon footprint.