Catalytic decomposition of biogas to produce H2-rich fuel gas and carbon nanofibers. Parametric study and characterization

One of the main problems that our society must deal with in a near future is the progressive substitution of traditional fossil fuels by different energy sources, such as renewable energies. In this context, biogas will play a vital role in the future. Nowadays, one of the most important uses of biogas is the production of heat and electricity from its direct combustion in co-generation plants. An interesting alternative consists on its direct valorisation to produce a syn-gas that can be further processed to produce chemicals, liquid fuels, or hydrogen. Results showed in this work evidenced that catalytic decomposition of biogas (CH4/CO2 mixtures) can be carried out with a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst obtaining simultaneously a syn-gas with high H2 content together with carbonaceous nanostructured materials with high added value. The parametric study revealed that temperature, WHSV (Weight Hourly Space Velocity, defined here as the total flow rate at normal conditions per gram of catalyst initially loaded) and CH4:CO2 feed ratio influence directly in CH4 and CO2 conversion, H2:CO ratio and carbon generation (gC/gcat). It was also evidenced that carbon structure depends on temperature. At 600 °C, fishbone like nanofibers with no hollow core are obtained while at 700 °C a mixture of fishbone and ribbon like nanofibers with a clear hollow core are formed.

► Valorisation of biogas by catalytic decomposition is studied.
► Catalytic decomposition of biogas can be carried out with a Ni/Al2O3 catalyst.
► A high H2 content syn-gas and carbon nanofibers with high added value are obtained.
► Temperature, WHSV and composition influence in CH4 conversion and H2:CO ratio.
► The morphology of the carbon nanofibers obtained depends on reaction temperature.