Concentrated solar energy-driven carbon black catalytic thermal decomposition of methane

The manuscript describes the development of a novel pathway to produce hydrogen based on the thermal decomposition of methane with carbon black as the catalyst. The thermal reaction occurs at about 1000 degrees C in a movable bed of carbon black particles. The thermal energy is provided by molten salt MgCl2-KCl flowing from a hot thermal energy storage tank to the cold thermal energy storage tank through the reactor, and from the cold tank to the hot tank through a higher concentration solar receiver. The reaction occurs at the surface of the particles that are recycled in a loop until they reach the desired size. This pathway has a minimum energy requirement that is much less than white and green hydrogen from the splitting of the water molecule. Even if based on hydrocarbon fuel, it has no direct production of CO2, but rather it produces carbon black particles of commercial interest. The pathway has the potential to deliver at a cost less than any other pathway carbon dioxide-free hydrogen. The most critical aspect of the proposed pathway is the design and development of a high-efficiency reactor for the proposed temperature range capable of continuous operation.

Automated summary

The manuscript discusses a novel pathway for producing hydrogen through the thermal decomposition of methane with carbon black as a catalyst. The pathway utilizes molten salt for thermal energy transfer, producing carbon black particles of commercial interest without direct CO2 emissions. The proposed pathway has the potential to deliver cost-effective, carbon dioxide-free hydrogen.