Methane production from the catalyzed reaction of graphite and water vapor at low temperatures (500–600 K)

Abstract

The steady-state production of methane from the catalyzed reaction of high-density graphite and water vapor at low temperatures (500–600 K) is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate placed on the graphite surface. The steady-state production of methane has a turnover frequency of 10 −3 sec −1 at 522 K and an activation energy of 10 ± 3 kcal/mole. Several other alkali hydroxides, lithium, sodium, and cesium hydroxide, all turned out to be good catalysts for the production of methane from water vapor and graphite. The surface composition and surface texture were characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively.