Microwave-Driven Plasma-Mediated Methane Cracking: Product Carbon Characterization

Vander Wal, Randy; Sengupta, Arupananda; Musselman, Evan; Skoptsov, George

doi:10.3390/c4040061

Title: Microwave-Driven Plasma-Mediated Methane Cracking: Product Carbon Characterization

Journal Article · Thu Nov 08 00:00:00 EST 2018 · C

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/c4040061· OSTI ID:1804880

Vander Wal, Randy ^[1];

^[1]; Musselman, Evan ^[2]; Skoptsov, George ^[2]

Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States)
H Quest Vanguard, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

Methane is the primary industrial H₂ source, with the vast majority produced by steam reforming of methane—a highly CO_2- and water-intensive process. Alternatives to steam reforming, such as microwave-driven plasma-mediated methane decomposition, offer benefits of no water consumption and zero CO₂ process emissions while also producing solid carbon formed by pyrolytic reactions and aided by a plasma reactive environment. The economic viability of pyrolytic methane decomposition as a hydrogen source will depend upon the commercial applications of the solid carbon product—which, in turn, will depend upon its physical and chemical characteristics. This study focuses on material characterization of the solid carbon (secondary) product. Characterization by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals forms ranging from graphitic to amorphous. Thermogravimetric analyses reveal three forms by their differing oxidative reactivity, while X-ray diffraction analyses support the different crystalline forms as suggested by Thermogravimetric analysis. Plasma perturbation of the radical pool, elevating radical temperatures and boosting concentrations, is proposed as altering the reaction paths towards solid carbon formation, resulting in the different sp² forms.

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Research Organization:: H Quest Vanguard, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0015895; SC0017227; SC0018703

OSTI ID:: 1804880

Journal Information:: C, Vol. 4, Issue 4; ISSN 2311-5629

Publisher:: MDPICopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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