Project description
Methane decomposition catalyst for cost-effective production of carbon dioxide-free hydrogen
A socially acceptable, sustainable and easy-to-implement technology is needed to rapidly decarbonise the energy sector. With this in mind, the EU-funded 112CO2 project proposes a new chemical reactor capable of using methane for the production of carbon dioxide-free hydrogen in a cost-effective way. It will develop a very active low-temperature methane decomposition (MD, also known as methane pyrolysis) catalyst, incorporating a cyclic regeneration step involving the selective hydrogenation of the carbon-attaching interface with the catalyst. A membrane reactor will be designed to run at about 600 °C with an energy density comparable to proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. If biomethane is used, the MD can remove CO2 from the atmosphere at competitive costs. The project’s MD reactor will be suitable for mobile and stationary applications.
Objective
The world needs a disruptive technology to very quickly decarbonize the energy; the success of this technology depends heavily on its social acceptance, sustainability and fast and easy implementation. The proponents of 112CO2 believe to have this technology. Imagine that a new chemical reactor would make possible to use methane, an easy to transport and to store fuel, either fossil, renewable or synthetic, for producing COx-free hydrogen in a cost-effective way. Imagine that this approach could be implemented swiftly, taking advantage of the present infrastructure. 112CO2 project is about producing hydrogen from low temperature methane decomposition (MD), a 100 % selective reaction – CH4 → C (s) + 2 H2. The use of methane from biogas allows actively to remove CO2 from the atmosphere (negative carbon balance) but, if using fossil methane, there will be no COx emissions.
112CO2 project aims at developing a low temperature MD catalyst, easy to regenerate and very active, > 0.45 gH2/gCat/h and stable for at least 10 000 h. 112CO2 proposes an innovative regeneration step based on the selective hydrogenation of the carbon attaching interface with the catalyst, allowing to release the coke particles and the recovery of the catalytic activity. Proponents succeed very recently to demonstrate, in a 500-h experiment, that this approach is possible and easily accomplishable. A membrane reactor, made of a stack of individual cells for producing hydrogen and a stack for pumping out this fuel cell grade hydrogen, will be developed for running at ca. 600 °C and to display > 0.05 gH2/cm3/h, an energy density comparable to the PEMFC. The proposed MD reactor is suitable for mobile as well as for stationary applications.
112CO2 project proposes also an ambitious communication strategy, aim at to involve investors, existing companies, researchers, youngsters, undergraduate and graduate students for this new technology and engage them in the urgent energy decarbonization endeavour.
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Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
4099-002 Porto
Portugal