Comparative analysis of the efficiency of catalytic methane pyrolysis technology for hydrogen production based on DEA method

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the efficiency of methane pyrolysis technologies and various catalysts using the DEA method. The study is based on an extensive set of experimental data obtained under laboratory conditions. Application of DEA method allowed to identify key factors affecting the pyrolysis process performance, including costs, process parameters and catalyst properties. Particular attention is paid to the role of catalysts in the methane pyrolysis process. Highly efficient catalysts show significant increases in reaction rate and decreases in energy costs. The DEA method allowed the identification of key factors affecting process efficiency, including the choice of catalyst carrier, temperature conditions and composition of active components. The analysis revealed that catalyst stability and its ability to maintain high activity over the reaction time were particularly important for industrial applications. The results of the analysis allowed us to evaluate the relative efficiency of each catalyst and identify the most optimal combinations of reaction conditions. It was found that catalysts with high nickel content (more than 80%) on Al₂O₃ carrier show the highest efficiency at about 750 ℃, achieving high values of methane conversion and hydrogen yield. SiO₂ based catalysts show high initial activity, but tend to deactivate or carbonize with time, which in turn markedly reduces their efficiency in long-term processes. The results highlight the importance of optimal catalyst composition and reaction conditions to improve the efficiency and economic viability of the methane pyrolysis process. The study demonstrates the potential of DEA method as a tool for comprehensive assessment and optimization of technological processes of hydrogen production and emphasizes the prospects for further development and implementation of methane pyrolysis technology in industrial hydrogen production as a component of the transition to low-carbon energy production.