Catalytic decomposition of methane to produce hydrogen: A review

Abstract

Catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM) is an attractive technology for environmentally friendly hydrogen production without CO 2 emissions. • The source and application status of hydrogen energy are described. • Different pathways of catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM) are compared. • History and development of the CDM catalysts are summarized. • Metal-/carbon-based and unconventional catalysts for CDM are discussed. • Liquid-phase reaction interface helps to realize the commercialization of CDM. The increasing demands of hydrogen and the recent discovery of large reserves of methane have prompted the conversion of methane to hydrogen. The challenges raised by intensive CO 2 emission from the traditional conversion of methane have provoked emission-free hydrogen production from methane. The catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM) to produce hydrogen and advanced carbon hence comes into consideration due to the short process and environmental benignity. Although many researchers have made considerable progress in CDM research on the laboratory scale, CDM is still in its infancy in industrialization. The history of its development, fundamental mechanisms, and recent research progress in catalysts and catalytic systems are herein highlighted. The problems of catalytic interface degradation are reviewed, focusing on deactivation from coke deposition in the CDM process. The introduction of a liquid phase interface which can in-situ remove carbon products provides a new strategy for this process. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects for future research into novel CDM catalysts or catalyst systems are included.