Preferred catalysts and their supports for methane to hydrogen conversion

Many methods for creating catalysts to synthesize hydrogen as an energy carrier have been thoroughly investigated. One promising approach is the decomposition of methane, which produces hydrogen from hydrocarbons without releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Using an appropriate catalyst with suitable support and synthesis techniques can lower the high temperatures typically required to break strong C–H bonds. Transition metal-based catalysts, particularly those using non-noble metals, are favored for their activity, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness. This review presents an overview of the methane decomposition process, focusing on recent advances in catalyst design, including mechanisms and performance of metals such as Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Pd, Pt, and Mg. Various metal preparation methods and their impact on catalytic efficiency are also discussed. The study concludes that Ni exhibited the highest catalytic activity, making it the most effective metal for hydrogen production, while Mg showed the lowest performance. Among the catalyst supports, Al₂O₃ was the most widely used due to its high surface area and stable structure, which contributed significantly to enhancing catalyst activity.