Techno-Economic assessment of natural gas pyrolysis in molten salts

Steam methane reforming with CO2 capture (blue hydrogen) and water electrolysis based on renewable electricity (green are commonly assumed to be the main supply options in a future hydrogen economy. However, another promising method is emerging form of natural gas pyrolysis (turquoise pure carbon as valuable by-product. To better understand potential turquoise hydrogen, this study presents techno-economic assessment molten salt process. Results show that moderate reactor pressures around 12 bar optimal, size must limited by accepting performance well below thermodynamic equilibrium. Despite challenge stemming from slow reaction rates, simplicity process delivers high efficiencies economics. In long-term, could produced for 200–300 €/ton, granting access high-volume markets metallurgical chemical industries. Such scenario makes alternative blue regions public resistance transport storage. medium-term, expensive first-of-a-kind plants produce 400 €/ton if prices set conventional production. Pure at cost level can smaller high-value such anodes graphite, ensuring profitable operation even first movers. conclusion, economic further demonstration scale-up efforts strongly recommended.