Sustainable Decarbonization of Natural Gas through TCD for Hydrogen and Solid Carbon Production
Research Poster Engineering 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Mpila Nkiawete
Exhibition Number 120
Abstract
Thermo-catalytic decomposition (TCD) is well-suited for the generation of hydrogen from natural gas. In TCD, a decarbonization process for fossil fuels, solid carbon is produced. This carbon has potential commercial applications including batteries, fuel cells, coatings, rubber, and energy storage. TCD activity and stability depend upon the initial carbon catalyst structure. However, in TCD as an autogenic process, the catalyst is continually changing, becoming more deactivated with time. In this study, reaction data are presented that illustrates the time-dependent TCD activity as TCD-formed carbon contributes and then dominates conversion. In this work a variety of initial carbon catalysts are compared. Regeneration of carbon catalysts by partial oxidation is evaluated using a carbon black as a model catalyst relative to its nascent un-oxidized counterpart. Activation energies for TCD with nascent and oxidized carbons are evaluated by a leading-edge analysis method applied to TCD rate data. Methane conversion and the evolved TCD products are characterized through on-line gas-phase FT-IR. Active sites are quantified by a two-step process: oxygen chemisorption followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) elemental analysis. The structure of carbon catalysts is assessed pre- and post-TCD by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).
Importance
Thermo-catalytic decomposition (TCD) presents a promising pathway for hydrogen production from natural gas. Unlike conventional steam methane reforming (SMR), which releases greenhouse gases, TCD generates solid carbon as a byproduct, offering a cleaner alternative for hydrogen production. The effectiveness of TCD is closely tied to the evolving structure of the carbon catalyst, which undergoes deactivation over time. By systematically analyzing the impact of initial catalyst structure and exploring regeneration strategies through partial oxidation, this research provides critical insights into maintaining catalyst activity. By optimizing methane conversion and carbon utilization, this research supports the development of more sustainable, low-emission hydrogen technologies, reinforcing the integration of TCD into future clean energy systems and circular material flows.