Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI) has applied a promising method for the synthesis of catalysts for the production of hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials from methane using a COx-neutral technology.
The current policy of decarbonization and zero carbon emissions into the atmosphere leads to the search for solutions that would reduce the carbon footprint. Currently, the efficiency of associated petroleum gas utilization is increasing. The technology of processing associated petroleum gas, the main component of which is methane (CH4), consists in its processing through a catalytic reaction, as a result of which two valuable products are formed: hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials. By solving the problem of methane decomposition, it is possible to obtain useful products for hydrogen energy and other fields.
"There are many methods for synthesizing catalysts to produce hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials from methane. We are engaged in methane decomposition technology that eliminates carbon monoxide emissions into the atmosphere, for which it is important to synthesize highly efficient catalysts. Gorenje synthesis (solution combustion synthesis, SCS) is one of the promising synthesis methods compared to other methods (co-deposition, impregnation, mechanical activation) due to the possibility of using a catalyst without prior hydrogen reduction and faster one-stage synthesis. A new approach has been applied to optimize SCS catalysts in order to increase hydrogen yield. The obtained catalysts were tested by us for the decomposition of methane at a temperature of 550 °C and a pressure of 1 bar. Two main reaction products have been synthesized: carbon nanofibers and hydrogen. This technology has a number of advantages, including environmental friendliness, the absence of carbon dioxide emissions (COx—free process) in reaction products and the production of carbon nanomaterials with a wide range of applications," said Alexander Bannov, Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, Doctor of Chemical Sciences.
The scientist stressed that with the help of calculations carried out by Professor of the Department of Theoretical and Applied Informatics of NSTU-NETI, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Vladimir Timofeev, optimal conditions for the synthesis of the catalyst were found, and it was also possible to ensure that the hydrogen yield turned out to be the highest. In addition, thanks to statistical methods of experiment planning, it was possible to significantly reduce the number of experiments.
"The resulting hydrogen can be used as an additive to fuel in various kinds of engines, and carbon nanomaterials can be used in structural materials to harden them, in supercapacitors and batteries as electrodes, as well as to create gas sensors," added Alexander Bannov.
A scientific article by scientists of NSTU-NETI on the topic Statistical modeling of solution combustion synthesis for Ni/A2O3 catalyst in methane decomposition to hydrogen and carbon nanofibers was published in the leading scientific journal in the field of hydrogen energy, physics and chemistry gorenje hydrogen (Q1, 8.1 Impact Factor) International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. This is the first article that discusses the application of statistical models for the analysis of SCS of a nickel-containing catalyst and the use of citric acid as a fuel for the synthesis of methane decomposition catalysts.