Microwave assisted methane decomposition reaction using nickel-palladium catalysts supported on different carbon supports

A microwave-assisted reactor system was used to comprehensively investigate methane decomposition, with monometallic and bimetallic nickel and palladium-based mesoporous carbon (MC) and silicon carbide (SiC)-supported catalysts. 15Pd@MC type catalyst exhibited an initial H-2 production rate of 120 mmol/g(cat).h at 500 degrees C, accompanied by the formation of nanotube-like carbon via a tip-growth mechanism with a good stability. 10 wt % nickel loading was better than the higher Ni loading at 500 degrees C and increasing reaction temperature favors the stability of the catalyst. Bamboo-shaped carbon fibers were recognized in the spent form of Ni@MC catalyst. In comparison to the MC supported Pd, the most pronounced difference was the reduced stability of the SiC-supported Pd systems. For the Ni@SiC type catalysts 40 wt% Ni showed better activity and produced much longer and thicker bamboo-shaped carbon filaments than the 10 wt% Ni-loaded catalyst. 50Ni1Pd@MC catalyst is highly promising, which achieves high initial H-2 production rates (similar to 141 mmol/g(cat)h at 700 degrees C) and good stability. Catalysts were also tested in conventionally heated reactor system, results implied importance of the microwave technology.