Catalytic methane decomposition to boost the energy transition: Scientific and technological advancements

Decarbonization of the energy sector is a topic paramount importance to avoid irreversible global warming. Hydrogen has been considered as most suitable option replace fossil fuels in industrial, residential and transport applications. However, hydrogen production almost limited reforming hydrocarbons, which release large amounts CO2, thus requiring several downstream purification processes. Catalytic methane decomposition consists low-temperature cracking methane, producing only COx-free solid carbon. This process unique potential make swift transition for fully decarbonized economy beyond: biomethane removes CO2 from atmosphere at competitive costs. Yet, industrialization catalytic hindered by insufficient stability assigned catalyst deactivation due carbon clogging. article reviews not main accomplishments on since it was firstly reported, but also addresses technical barriers that have its industrialization. Unlike other previous focused mainly catalysts, more attention put reactor design, regeneration strategies processing products (hydrogen economic overview). The goal identify challenges provide solutions paradigm faced up now.