Iron and Biochar-Based Catalysts (Fe/C) for Hydrogen Production by Methane Decomposition

Catalysts for an environmentally friendly method for hydrogen production (free from carbon oxide emissions) based on decomposition of methane were proposed. The catalysts represented iron-containing systems supported on a carbon material (biochar). The active component (Fe) was deposited by the incipient wetness impregnation method from a solution of iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate. The produced catalytic systems were tested in the decomposition of methane and studied by physicochemical methods of analysis (Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and atomic absorption analysis). The catalysts were found to have a graphite-like carbon structure accommodating uniformly distributed iron nanoparticles. The catalytic activity of the obtained systems in the temperature range of 500–850°C was determined. The maximum conversion of methane (12.2%) was observed at 700°C in the presence of iron-containing biochar synthesized at 250°C. The carbon product formed during the experiment consisted of carbon nanotubes and onion-shaped carbon.