The goal is to develop a catalyst for methane (CH₄) decomposition for the high-yield production of hydrogen (H₂) and solid carbon without the production of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Idaho Falls, ID

Ceramatec Inc.
Salt Lake City, UT

Through DOE's Downstream Environmental program funding of the project Proton Exchange Reactive Membranes for Conversion of Light Alkanes to Clean Liquid Fuels, INL developed a stable and efficient catalyst for converting CH₄ to H₂ without the generation of CO₂. This catalytic process could provide a significant advance in the development of the hydrogen economy utilizing natural gas CH₄ without the production of greenhouse gases.

This research explores direct catalytic decomposition of CH₄ to make H₂ and solid carbon. Solid carbon particles that are produced flow out of the catalyst bed and are collected in downstream filter equipment. The catalyst was produced using a mix of proprietary metal salts that were deposited within a common high-surface area with microporous support.

Without optimization of the catalyst, reactor, or process conditions, CH₄ conversions over 50% were obtained with a corresponding high H₂ yield. Higher conversions are expected with system optimization. The catalyst was found to have stable activity in tests as long as 30 hours in a continuous-flow, packed-bed experimental test stand. Tests were performed at atmospheric pressure, at temperatures of 500-700 C., and at industrially relevant space velocities of up to 2.5 grams (g) of CH₄ per g of catalyst per hour. Catalysts for this process are comparable to standard industrial catalyst costs. In the absence of the catalyst, the reaction does not take place. Reactor and associated unit operation capital costs are expected to be low, since the reactor and separations are simple and do not require development of new technologies.

The project tasks are planned to accomplish the following:

• Experimental system modifications and approvals to allow for long-term catalyst testing.
• Catalyst optimization for the purpose of increasing H2 yields.
• Extended catalyst testing for continuous H2 production using promising catalysts developed during previous studies.
• Energy and mass balance calculations using a process simulation code such as ASPEN Plus to estimate energy conversion efficiencies and compare those with steam methane reforming.
• Technology protection, communication, and transfer for the purpose of transferring the technology to industry.

An initial ASPEN numerical model of the reaction process has been set up. Thermodynamic analysis shows that this reaction requires less energy per mole of H₂ than traditional steam methane reforming commonly used to make H₂. The reaction is equilibrium-limited, with maximum H₂ concentrations constrained to 75 mol % at 600° C., increasing to 96 mol % at 800° C. Experimental work has focused on a metal modified zeolite catalyst. To date, the catalyst has demonstrated 70 mol % hydrogen in the reactor effluent at 700° C. and stable catalyst activity for 30 hours-the entire test duration.

Hydrogen yield as a function of time on stream (TOS) was explored at different reaction temperatures. At 600-700° C. the production of H₂ was relatively stable, but at 800° C., a marked decrease was apparent. In addition to H₂, other reaction products included benzene and higher aromatics. For the TOS utilized, the catalyst retained a high portion of its initial surface area and micropore volume. Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed a homogenous covering of the zeolite surface with carbonaceous deposits.

Catalyst samples were regenerated in flowing air at 600° C. After regenerating the catalyst, activity was recovered; however, some loss was apparent on the catalyst utilized at the highest reaction temperature. This loss of activity after regeneration is ascribed to carbonaceous deposits that remained on the catalyst surface after regeneration and was confirmed by temperature programmed oxidation studies. The carbonaceous species deposited on the catalyst surface were more condensed as the reaction temperature increased. The carbonaceous deposits on the catalyst sample utilized to produce H2 at 600° C. had desorbed completely under oxidation at 600° C.

As part of the project, additional research is needed in catalyst optimization, process optimization, reactor development, and carbon analysis. In addition, market analysis for the high-quality carbon product and economic analysis of the processes must be performed.

To realize a greenhouse gas-free hydrogen economy, CO₂ must be sequestered or not produced. This catalytic route offers a promising path for economical, environmentally sound production of hydrogen without production of CO_2.

Methane decomposition for the production of H₂ and solid carbon is being accomplished by experimental system modifications and approvals to allow for overnight catalyst testing, catalyst optimization for the purpose of increasing hydrogen yields, extended catalyst testing for up to one full week of continuous hydrogen production using promising catalysts developed in this study, energy and mass balance calculations using a process simulation code such as ASPEN Plus to estimate energy conversion efficiencies and compare those with steam reforming, and technology transfer to industry.

Additional funding for this project was received in August 2004. This project will explore the catalyst discovered in the Proton Exchange Reactive Membranes project for the production of hydrogen and solid carbon by the decomposition of methane. The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Ceramatec Inc. is being modified to cover this new scope of work under this project.

$125,000

$32,000 (20.4% of total)

NETL - Kathleen Q. Stirling (Kathy.Stirling@netl.doe.gov or 918-699-2008)
INL - Daniel M. Ginosar (Daniel.Ginosar@inl.gov or 208-526-9049)

Publications
Publications are being prepared and will be submitted for peer review after protection of the technology is assured by patent coverage.