Methane Catalytic Cracking to Make COx Free Hydrogen and Carbons (Nanotubes, Microfibers, Microballs)

The catalytic cracking of methane to produce COx free hydrogen and a spectrum of advanced carbon nano materials was studied. Over several genres of catalysts by cracking of undiluted methane we produced hydrogen and highly graphitic carbon nanotubes (single-, thin- and multi-walled), straight microfibers, nano onions over the solid oxides solution, perovskite structured mixed oxides and mesoporous supported catalysts. The influences of reaction temperature on the methane conversion over various catalysts were investigated. The yields of carbon materials were monitored during the cracking running and the results indicated that these series of catalysts are promising for the commercialization of carbon nanotubes, microfibers and microballs.