Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Methane reformation and methane pyrolysis involve separating, or cracking, the components of methane, leading to the production of hydrogen gas, and in the case of pyrolysis, solid carbon. Because methane is known as a leading cause of climate change, these technologies are gaining attention as the global community moves to address methane as a greenhouse gas. This study aims to assess, through a systematic literature review, the current state-of-the-art methane cracking technologies based on seven technology criteria: hydrogen production capability, environmental impact, value of carbon produced, reaction stability, operating temperature requirements, energy requirements, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This study relies on a thorough search of recent literature that determines the state-of-the-art technologies, a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages, and a proposed quantitative analysis using a decision-making matrix. Global progress and challenges of biogas and biomethane utilization are also discussed in this study. The progress and challenges are then tied back to the results of the technology assessment to provide recommendations on how the studied technologies and their TRLs can be improved. Raising their TRLs can promote global efforts relating to hydrogen production, greenhouse gas reduction, and decarbonization.
Disciplines
Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering | Chemical Engineering | Civil and Environmental Engineering
Publication Date
5-2024
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Frank Lu and Arpita Bhatt
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Pjetrovic, Alisa E., "An Assessment of Methane Cracking Technologies for Hydrogen Production and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases" (2024). 2024 Spring Honors Capstone Projects. 5.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_spring2024/5
Included in
Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons, Chemical Engineering Commons, Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons