Mesoporous carbon prepared from direct coal liquefaction residue for methane decomposition

Mesoporous carbons (MCs) were directly prepared from direct coal liquefaction residue (CLR) by KOH activation, and used as catalysts for methane decomposition. The results indicated that the prepared MCs were of a narrow pore size distribution centered at about 3.5 nm. The mineral matters in the CLR and their salts formed during KOH activation process served as templates for mesopore formation, through washing off the mineral matters and the salts occupied in the inner space of the carbon. The resultant MCs showed higher and more stable activity in methane decomposition reaction than commercial coal-based activated carbon and carbon black catalysts.