Thermo Catalytic Decomposition of Methane over Cu - Al2O3 and 5 - 20wt% Ni - Cu - Al2O3 Catalysts to Produce Hydrogen and Carbon Nanofibers: Experimental Investigation

Abstract

Hydrogen is an environmentally friendly fuel that has the potential to significantly use of fossil fuels; several significant challenges must be overcome before it can be widely used. Thermo catalytic decomposition of methane (TCD) is one of the most useful methods for meeting future demand and thus an attractive route for COx-free hydrogen production, which is required in fuel cells. The combustion of fossil fuels mainly results in the generation of a huge quantity of green-house gases such as carbon, nitrogen and sulphur oxides. In this study, we attempted to produce hydrogen using Cu-Al2O3 and 5, 10, 15, and 20%wt percent Ni modified Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalysts. It has also been observed that, the conversion order is Cu-Al2O3<5 wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 ~ 20 wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 <15 wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 < 10 wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalysts. It has been discovered that while increasing the loadings of nickel in Ni/Cu-Al2O3 the efficiency of thermo catalytic decomposition of methane is also increasing. Among the five prepared catalysts, the 10wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalyst exhibits good catalytic activity.SEM images of catalysts after methane thermocatalytic decomposition reveal the formation of carbon nanofibers. The XRD patterns of Cu-Al2O3 and 5,10,15, and 20wt percent Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalysts revealed fairly crystalline peaks, which may be responsible for the increased catalytic life and formation of carbon nanofibers. The optimum hydrogen production rate of 70% was observed with a 10wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalyst, and hydrogen carbon fibres were also discovered, that can be used as catalyst support.