I am pleased to share the publication of our latest research paper, “The Catalytic Effect of Ni in Methane Pyrolysis Using Molten SnNi Alloys for Hydrogen Production”, featured at the prestigious International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
Our university is actively exploring innovative methods for hydrogen production to support the energy transition. Pyrometallurgical processes have shown great potential, using molten metal baths to convert methane into hydrogen gas efficiently within a reactor. This new study investigates how nickel (Ni) enhances methane pyrolysis when combined with molten tin (Sn) to form SnNi alloys, aiming to improve hydrogen production efficiency.
Our findings indicate that incorporating Ni into Sn significantly boosts the catalytic activity during methane pyrolysis, leading to higher hydrogen yields. This enhancement is attributed to Ni’s ability to facilitate methane decomposition at elevated temperatures. These insights contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable hydrogen production methods.
I am particularly happy with this paper as it consolidates the doctoral research of a young and talented researcher, my friend David Scheiblehner, who is doing an extraordinary research here in our Chair of Nonferrous Metallurgy. This is led by our beloved Professor Helmut Antrekowitsch, who recently inaugurated the Hydrogen Center in our university! For this paper, my contribution was very minor, all the hard work was entirely made by David! Congratulations! I am also super happy this is my first paper/scientific contribution to the hydrogen center at our university!
Glück Auf to all my co-authors and friends!
More about the methane pyrolysis and hydrogen production research at the Montanuniverstiät Leoben:
More about the H2-C hydrogen research centre at the Montanuniversität Leoben:
Materials at Extremes 