Sarashwat S., Pant K.K.
IIT Delhi, IN
Keywords: catalsyt, hydrogen generation, methane decomposition, Ni/SiO2
The current methods of producing hydrogen are based on steam methane reforming (SMR), coal gasification, electrolysis, biomass gasification and thermochemical processes A comparison between the cost of hydrogen production from renewable energy, and fossil sources, shows that hydrogen must be considerably reduced from present levels before this type of hydrogen becomes economically competitive. Currently, the process based on SMR and methane partial oxidation generates large quantities of CO2; the estimated GHG potential of hydrogen production by the SMR process is approximately 13.7 kg CO2 (equiv.)/kg of hydrogen produced. Thermocatalytic decomposition of methane is a promising approach to produce COx-free hydrogen and carbon nanotubes at a relatively low cost through a single -step process. This decomposition helps to reduce green house gases by co-producing valuable carbon products such as carbon nanotubes or graphite-like carbon. The current research on methane decomposition is widely focusing on the suitability of catalyst system and the reaction conditions for optimizing the production of hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The appropriate metal-support interaction plays vital role for improving the catalyst activity and selectivity of the carbon nanotubes for lower activation energy consumption. Ni catalysts supported on silica as textural promoter prepared by wet impregnation and co-precipitation methods are studied to produce pure hydrogen and carbon nanofibers in a fixed-bed quartz reactor at 700 0C and at atmospheric pressure. The loading amounts of Ni in the Ni/SiO2 catalyst were changed from 30 to 70 wt%. The TCD activity is mainly influenced by the amount of metal loading, catalyst preparation method, reaction temperature and type of support material. It was observed that the catalytic activity and the yields of hydrogen and carbon nanofibers depended strongly on the loading amount of Ni. 50% Ni/SiO2 catalyst prepared by wet impregnation method found more suitable in terms of higher methane conversion and hydrogen yield compare to other catalyst
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2011: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 628 - 631
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Materials for Oil & Gas
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7138-6