Sodium Carbonate-Modified activated carbon catalysts for enhanced hydrogen production via methane decomposition

Hydrogen is a clean and renewable energy source with significant potential for decarbonizing energy systems. Methane decomposition offers a sustainable method for hydrogen production without the emission of COx gases, making it as an attractive alternative to conventional methods like steam reforming. However, the high energy consumption associated with methane decomposition presents a challenge. To address this challenge, this study explores the modification of activated carbon (AC) with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) to enhance its catalytic efficiency in methane decomposition. Various concentrations of Na₂CO₃ were used, and the catalysts were thoroughly characterized using XRD, SEM, and N₂ adsorption–desorption techniques to evaluate their porosity, surface area, and crystallinity. The results indicate that Na₂CO₃-modified AC significantly reduced the degree of graphitization, resulting in a disordered carbon structure with enhanced porosity. This structure effectively enhances the catalytic activity of AC, with the optimal catalyst being AC-2Na₂CO₃. After 150 min of reaction, the methane conversion rates at 850 °C, 900 °C, and 950 °C are 17.18 %, 20.19 %, and 31.33 %, respectively, representing increases of 5.19 %, 5.69 %, and 5.32 % compared to the unmodified catalyst. These improvements are attributed to the creation of more active sites for methane adsorption and dissociation. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of Na₂CO₃-modified AC as an efficient catalyst for methane decomposition, offering a viable pathway for sustainable hydrogen production with reduced energy consumption.