Scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI), together with colleagues from the Chinese University of Mining and Technology (Xuzhou), have created biocarbon from the shells of nuts and apricot kernels for processing methane. This catalyst will make it possible to obtain environmentally friendly hydrogen without direct CO2 emissions, which corresponds to the decarbonization concept.
Classical catalysts for the decomposition of methane use metals. But there are a number of limitations to their use: high cost, susceptibility to sintering and coking — coating with a layer of carbon at high temperatures or prolonged exposure. The use of renewable plant raw materials as the basis for producing a carbon-containing catalyst will make its production many times cheaper, says Alexander Bannov, Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at NSTU-NETI, Doctor of Chemical Sciences.
"The raw material for creating the catalyst was renewable plant waste: walnut and coconut shells, apricot kernels. The shell powder is pyrolyzed, that is, heated to a temperature of 600 ° C for several hours, and bio-carbon is obtained, which can be used for the catalytic decomposition of methane. The catalytic properties of the obtained catalysts were evaluated at different reaction temperatures and methane consumption. In addition, the relationship between the structure of the catalyst and its activity was studied using a combination of experimental studies and molecular modeling," the scientist said.
In the process of catalytic decomposition of methane, its molecules are split into hydrogen and solid carbon, which is deposited on a porous matrix of biocarbon. The result is not only hydrogen, but also carbon materials, which are useful as additives for creating polymers, rubber products, and for modifying asphalt mixtures. Hydrogen, in turn, can be used for the needs of hydrogen energy as a raw material for metallurgy and chemical technology.
The catalytic properties of biocarbon obtained from plant raw materials were investigated at various reaction temperatures and methane flow rates. According to the test results, the biocarbon from the apricot shell provided the highest yield and stability of producing CO2-neutral hydrogen. This is due to its porous structure and the presence of ash impurities, which have a catalytic effect, adds Alexander Bannov.
The joint development of Novosibirsk and Chinese scientists is an important step in the development of green energy, which makes it possible to solve the problem of recycling organic waste and obtain hydrogen without carbon dioxide emissions and carbon nanomaterials with their subsequent application in various industries.