Thermo catalytic decomposition of methane over Cu - Al2O3 and 5 - 20wt% Ni - Cu - Al2O3 catalysts to produce hydrogen and carbon nanofibers

Abstract

Hydrogen is an environmental friendly fuel, which has the potential to significantly used of fasil files; however several important challenges must defeat before it can be extensively used. Thermo catalytic decomposition of methane (TCD) is one of the most useful method, which will meet the future demand and hence an attractive route for COx free production of hydrogen which is essential in fuel cell. In the present study, we made an attempt on hydrogen production with Cu-Al2O3 and 5, 10, 15 & 20wt% of Ni modified Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalysts. It is also 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 is observed that, while increasing the loadings of nickel in Ni/Cu-Al2O3 the efficiency of thermo catalytic decomposition of methane is also increasing. Among five catalysts prepared the 10wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalyst is showing good catalytic activity.SEM images of catalysts after thermo catalytic decomposition of methane shows the formation of carbon nanofibers. XRD patterns of the Cu-Al2O3 and 5,10,15 & 20wt%Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalysts revealed, fairly crystalline peaks of which may responsible for the increase in the catalytic life and the formation of carbon nanofibers. The optimum hydrogen production of 70 volume % was observed with 10 wt% Ni/Cu-Al2O3 catalyst along with hydrogen carbon fibers were also found, which can be used as catalyst support. Copyright © 2016 VBRI Press.