University of Cambridge researchers developed a breakthrough reactor that converts methane into both clean hydrogen fuel and valuable carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with high efficiency, recycling 99% of the carrier gas, dramatically improving on older methods, avoiding CO2 emissions, and working with biogas too. This "multi-pass" system combines methane pyrolysis with CNT production, creating a lightweight carbon material (CNT aerogel) while producing clean hydrogen, offering a sustainable pathway for two high-demand products.

University of Cambridge researchers developed a breakthrough reactor that converts methane into both clean hydrogen fuel and valuable carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with high efficiency, recycling 99% of the carrier gas, dramatically improving on older methods, avoiding CO2 emissions, and working with biogas too. This "multi-pass" system combines methane pyrolysis with CNT production, creating a lightweight carbon material (CNT aerogel) while producing clean hydrogen, offering a sustainable pathway for two high-demand products. 
How it Works 
Methane Pyrolysis: -
Instead of burning natural gas, which creates CO2, the reactor uses methane pyrolysis, splitting methane (CH4cap C cap H sub 4𝐢𝐻4) into hydrogen (H2cap H sub 2𝐻2) and solid carbon.
Integrated Process: -
It uniquely combines this with carbon nanotube (CNT) production, using a "floating catalyst" method.
Gas Recycling: -
Unreacted methane gas is looped back through the reactor, achieving an exceptional 99% recycling rate, which boosts efficiency significantly.
 Dual Products: -
The output is clean hydrogen and high-value CNTs (like CNT aerogel), which are useful in batteries and construction. 
Key Advantages 
No CO2: -
Produces no carbon dioxide, unlike traditional hydrogen production.
High Efficiency: -
Offers massive improvements in molar efficiency and resource utilization.
Renewable Potential: -
Can use biogas (methane from landfills/farms) for a renewable pathway, sequestering carbon in nanotubes.
Scalability: -
Computer models show promise for industrial-scale application, potentially converting 75% of incoming gas into useful products. 
This innovation tackles the challenge of producing clean hydrogen efficiently while simultaneously creating valuable solid carbon, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and offering sustainable materials. 
To understand the next steps for this technology, would you like to know more about the specific industrial applications for the produced carbon nanotubes and hydrogen? 
New reactor produces clean energy and carbon nanotubes from natural gas.

MJF Lion ER YK Sharma 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Solar Generation in Night hrs

How to get get Solar generations in Night        While standard solar panels cannot generate electricity at night,     New technologies are being developed to address this limitation.      These advancements focus on harnessing the earth's heat or using infrared radiation emitted by the Earth to generate power, potentially creating 24-hour renewable energy sources.  Key Concepts and Technologies :- 1) Anti-Solar Panels (Thermo-radiative Cells):- How they work:-    These panels, also known as thermoradiative cells, work in reverse of traditional solar panels. Instead of absorbing sunlight, they emit infrared radiation into space, which is then converted into electricity.    Nighttime energy:-     They can generate electricity from the difference in temperature between the panel and the surrounding environment, essentially converting the heat escaping into space back into usable power.  Potential:-  ...
Read more

Hydrogen at home — It's the end of solar and wind power

  Hydrogen at home — It's the end of solar and wind power         Statement "1000 pounds" per day of hydrogen at home — It's the end of solar and wind power in the world" is not accurate.     While hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, it's not a replacement for those sources themselves. Hydrogen production via electrolysis, using renewable electricity, is a promising avenue for decarbonization, but it doesn't negate the need for solar and wind power as direct energy sources.  Cause behind its is as under. Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier:-     Hydrogen is an energy carrier, meaning it stores energy produced elsewhere (like from solar or wind) and can be used to power fuel cells or for other applications.  Electrolysis:-     A key method of producing "green" hydrogen involves using electricity from renewable sources (like solar and wind) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen throu...
Read more

State-wise carbon emissions in India show a concentration in western and southern states, with byd as major emitters, particularly from the manufacturing and energy sectors. The highest total CO2 emissions have been linked to states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, though the specific ranking can vary depending on the data year and the specific pollutants included.

Image
Top 10 Electricity-Producing States in India (2025) Share of India’s  Total Power Generation in (%) 1) Gujarat ~12.61% 2) Maharashtra~10.71% 3)Rajasthan~10.29% 4)Tamil Nadu~7.63% 5)Karnataka~6.30% 6)Uttar Pradesh~5.88% 7)Andhra Pradesh~5.25% 8)Madhya Pradesh~4.62% 9)Telangana~3.78% 10)Haryana~2.94%      State-wise carbon emissions in India show a concentration in western and southern states, with  by d as major emitters, particularly from the manufacturing and energy sectors. The highest total CO2 emissions have been linked to states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, though the specific ranking can vary depending on the data year and the specific pollutants included.   Key Trends & States Western & Southern Dominance:  - Studies indicate that western states and some southern states are consistently among the highest emitters of CO2.  Manufacturing Powerhouses:  - States with si...
Read more