Performance of AISI 316L-stainless steel foams towards the formation of graphene related nanomaterials by catalytic decomposition of methane at high temperature

This work explores the preparation of graphene-related materials (GRMs) grown on stainless steel foams via catalytic decomposition methane (CDM). The main active phases for reaction are Fe nanoparticles segregated from stainless-steel after activation stage foam. effect feed composition and temperature has been studied in order to maximize productivity, stability selectivity GRMs. maximum productivity attained was 0.116 gC/gfoam h operating at 950 °C with a ratio CH4/H2 = 3 (42.9 %CH4:14.3 %H2). carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) obtained were characterized by X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy transmission scanning electron microscopy. parameters kinetic model developed directly related relevant stages process, including carburization, diffusion-precipitation deactivation-regeneration. balance among these sequential determines overall performance activated In conditions rapid carburization NPs (pCH4 > 14 %), CNMs is favoured, avoiding an initial deactivation sites fouling amorphous carbon. After different governed CH4/H2, mainly temperature. Thus, formation GRMs, Few Layer Graphene (FLG) even graphene, favoured temperatures above 900 °C. At lower temperatures, carbon nanotubes formed.