A process called The Catalytic Decomposition of Methane (CDM) is proposed in this paper as a cost-effective alternative to the commonly used and highly polluting (CO2) process steam methane reforming. In this process pure bio-methane or natural gas is cracked using a catalyst at elevated temperatures (600-800°C) into hydrogen and solid carbon (the only byproduct). By using a small percentage of the produced hydrogen (approximately 15% of yield) as the heat source, the entire process can be completely emission-free and therefore it alleviates the need for complex and costly carbon dioxide disposal schemes, such as carbon sequestration.
My preliminary trials with CDM using undiluted methane have yielded results that are among the best in publication for conversion efficiency and catalyst longevity. In addition, characterization of the carbon by-product using High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction revealed highly graphitic forms of carbon such as onion-like carbon and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. These forms have highly attractive physical and chemical properties that are valued for use in applications such as fuel cells, gas storage, thermal energy storage, batteries, metallurgy, lubricants and nanoelectrical devices. These extra markets, in addition to added commercial incentives from emission trading schemes (such as carbon credits), have the capability to make this technology a viable and cost effective short to medium-term energy solution for future anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.