Methane Pyrolysis for CO2-free Hydrogen Production

The pyrolysis of methane and other hydrocarbons produces solid carbon and hydrogen, which can be used as a CO2-free fuel allowing more sustainable use of our fossil resources while long-term energy solutions are developed. The fundamental chemistry has long been studied and the process requirements for pyrolysis well understood. Very high reactor temperatures, efficient energy addition, and management of the solid carbon product pose engineering challenges. For the production of a valuable solid carbon product, methane pyrolysis is practiced commercially; however, the high-value carbon market is limited in size. For pyrolysis to compete economically with existing commercial methane reforming processes for hydrogen production, a sustained and significant negative cost must be assigned to the CO2 generated by reforming and an efficient, low-cost, scalable pyrolysis process demonstrated.