Copper-tin catalyzed methane pyrolysis and solid carbon products as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

This study investigates methane pyrolysis using the bimetallic liquid catalyst Cu0.33Sn0.67 Methane conversion rates are measured at different methane flow rates in the temperature range of 900°C to 1100°C, and the apparent activation energy is calculated to be approximately 290.9–295.9 kJmol-1 using the Arrhenius equation. SEM analysis of the carbon by-products reveals that the solid carbon obtained primarily exhibits a sheet-like structure. Raman spectra shows that it contains more defects based on the relative intensity ratio of the D band to the G band (ID/IG), which is approximately 0.94–1.01. Furthermore, a simple method of chemical purification using concentrated hydrochloric acid or hydrogen peroxide is explored to remove metals from the carbon by-products, reducing the metal content to below 0.5 wt.%. The potential application of these carbon by-products as anode materials for batteries is explored, and the results show that after 150 cycles, the battery still exhibits good stability, reflecting excellent cycling performance. The results of this study provide valuable references to the selection of catalysts in methane pyrolysis for hydrogen production and the enhancement of the value of carbon by-products.